Scioto hosts second Pro-Am; Hodkinson wins Billings
June 19, 2018,by John Manzi, for the C.K.G. Billings Series
Columbus, OH — In late February, the initial Pro-Am Competition was staged at Pompano Park. On Tuesday (June 19) at Eldorado Scioto Downs, the second edition of the challenge where the amateur drivers competed in races with and against some of the industry’s top reinsmen was showcased.
The competitions are the brainchild of Stacy Cahill, the director of racing at both Pompano and Scioto Downs. And from the participants at each venue, monies were raised for the Harness Horse Youth Foundation and New Vocations.
Participating professionals included Tim and Trace Tetrick, Dan Noble and Aaron Merriman while the remainder of drivers in each event were all amateurs. And to the surprise of no one, every one of the four contest races was won by a professional.
The first contest race was won by Noble with amateur Steve Oldford second and Tim Tetrick third. Noble came back to win the second Pro-Am event, as amateur driver Joey Putnam finished second. Tim Tetrick was again third. Then in the third Pro-Am event, Trace Tetrick turned back Merriman for the victory, while amateur driver Michelle Ruvola took home the show dough. In the final Pro-Am event, Trace Tetrick again emerged victorious with Merriman second and Ruvola third.
But the amateur drivers had their day in the sun with a race strictly for Billings members late on the card.
Ned “the Insurance Man” Hodkinson and his trusty steed, Mutinyonthebounty, remain a perfect two-for-two this year after they out-footed nine others to score an impressive victory in a 1:58.1 clocking.
After racing on the front end relatively unchallenged, the wire came just in time as a host of trotters were closing in on Mutinyonthebounty. But the veteran Mutineer gelding refused to lose and kept Winbak Charles M and driver “Lawbook Larry” Farley at bay for a head victory. Better Call Saul was a neck farther back in third for “Michelle The Belle” Ruvola.
Sent off the favorite in the race, Mutinyonthebounty paid $5.90 to win. Hodkinson, who also owns and trains the winner, notched his 61st lifetime driving victory.
Related Articles:
- Team New Vocations edges out Team HHYF at Scioto (Tuesday, June 19, 2018)
On Tuesday afternoon (June 19), Eldorado Scioto Downs played host to the Tetrick vs. Tetrick Pro-Am, which was won by Team New Vocations (Tim Tetrick and Aaron Merriman).