Montpelier, OH — A new track record for 3-year-old pacers highlighted an evening (Sept. 11) of good miles and exciting finishes at the Williams County Fair when Suzanne Bates and Robyn McGhee’s Valparaiso Hanover steamed to a 10-3/4 length victory in 1:57.2.

Catch-driven by Greg Bateson for trainer Tyler Bates, the altered son of Dragon Again commanded every station and clipped off an ever-widening lead with a last quarter in :29.3 over Leap For Gold (Odell Cross) and John Moody with Tanner J. The mile was only a fifth of a second off the overall track record of 1:57.1 set by C C Spice in 2003.

Earlier the fans of northwest Ohio were treated to the undefeated (now 12 for 12) 2-year-old gelding trotter Timestorm as the Kent Hess-trainee stormed off to a 38 length win in 2:03.4, a mere two ticks off another track record. Owned by Ted Boschma and driven by John Moody the progeny of Stormin Norman was once again barred from the wagering and has now banked more than $47,000 for his freshman year while dominating at all the fairs. He’s also set the 2-year-old track record of 1:56.4 at Northfield.

Greg Bateson got the seat behind the Mike Conklin prodigy Cousin Louie and the 2-year-old pacing gelding by Big Bad John kept all the relatives happy with a gutsy three-quarter length win in 2:02.2 over Worthabuck (Jeff Nisonger) and My Name Is Hairy driven by Skip De Mull. The winner of more than $25,000 so far in 2019 sports a record of nine wins and three seconds in 12 starts.

T Degengold grabbed her ninth victory in ten 2019 starts as Mark Headworth guided the Jeff Nisonger-conditioned 2-year-old filly by Pet Rock to a 3-3/4 length convincing win in 2:00.4 for owner Johnny Kearns.

I Get It, trainer/driver/owner Bob Rowland’s trotting machine easily put away his competition in the $9,291 OFRC 3-year-old trot in 2:02.2 by four lengths as the Dontyouforgetit gelding took his 11th win in his 12th sophomore start.

The 3-year-old filly pace kept the crowd on the edge of their seats when the battle began between Ambitious Lillian (Mark Headworth) and favorite Atlantic Star (Ed Hennessey) as the pacers got to the half in :58.3 before pocket-sitting I M McCited shook loose and nabbed Ambitious Lillian by a nose in 2:00.2. It was regular driver Greg Bateson’s third win on the night as the Tyler Bates-trained daughter of McArdle paid a hefty $58.20 to win.

The evening’s program marked the 50th year of veteran official Bill Peters announcing at his home track and the man with an amazing memory can quote many a record and performances primarily because he “was there.” Congratulations Bill for so many years and so many a memorable race call.