Lebanon, OH — Shine All The Way (Brett Miller) was crowned champion of Miami Valley Raceway’s annual Howard Beissinger Memorial Medley on Tuesday (March 15), trotting 1-1/4 miles in 2:24.3 to earn the distinction.

Shine All The Way captured the $27,500 final of the Howard Beissinger Memorial Medley, trotting 1-1/4 miles in 2:24.3. Conrad photo.

The 5-year-old son of Dontyouforgetit got away third behind Shake It Mary (Trace Tetrick) and Outofbait (Jeremy Smith), tipped to the outside at the one-mile mark, then pushed a nose in front at the head of stretch. From there, Shine All The Way took control under mild urging from Miller and beat a late-closing Riverdancing Diva (Chris Page) by 3-1/4 lengths. Shake It Mary hung on for third.

With Tetrick setting moderate uncontested fractions of :28.1, :58 and 1:27.3, there was never a threat to Homicide Hunter’s 2:22.2 world record, but trainer Victor Gray Sr. was elated nonetheless:

“We bought this horse for $18,500 at the Blooded Horse Sale in Springfield, Ohio, two years ago, and he’s done very well for us. He made almost $100,000 in 2021 ($96,331), and has started 2022 with four wins in his first seven starts. I’ve been in the game a long time and this is my biggest win!”

For his part, Miller said, “That’s a real nice horse. He did it mostly on his own. Given the right trip, I think he could go with the Open trotters.”

The Beissinger honors the memory of Hall Of Fame trainer-driver Howard Beissinger, who was born and maintained a base of operations in nearby Hamilton, Ohio, throughout his illustrious career, which included three Hambletonian triumphs.

Miami Valley will race Wednesday (March 16) and Thursday (March 17); post time is 4:05 p.m. each day.