Dayton, OH — Ron Taubert, an integral member of the United States Trotting Association’s Racetrack Support Team and a part-time harness driver, scored a major upset at Hollywood Dayton Raceway on Tuesday afternoon (Dec. 3), when he guided Maximum Chip to his first ever victory in his 31st start.

Ron Taubert and Maximum Chip posted a 50-1 upset on Tuesday at Hollywood Dayton Raceway. Conrad Photo.

Saddled with the outside post nine, Maximum Chip was sent off at 50-1 odds, and a two-dollar win ticket resulted in a handsome $108.40 return.

Owner-trainer-breeder Ron Shade, a longtime friend of Taubert, raised the 3-year-old Art’s Chip gelding out of Dallas Alice, whom Shade and Taubert also raced for many years.

Taubert sent Maximum Chip on his way early and remained on top throughout the 1:57.1 mile. Geologist (Zach Henry) and Rockin Dougie (Cameron McCown) gave futile chase throughout, but had to settle for place and show finishes. The winning 9-6 exacta combination paid $729.60, and a successful 9-6-2 50-cent trifecta returned $546.90.

Taubert has driven on at least a limited basis every year since 1977. The 65-year-old reinsman now sports 618 lifetime triumphs on his driving resume. His best year was 1991, when he notched 67 victories.