Oak Grove, KY — With “regular” amateur driver Dein Spriggs sidelined, being under the weather, trainer Tony Dinges summoned his stable’s “pinch hitter” Michael Riley to action in the United States Harness Driving Club feature at Oak Grove Racing and Gaming on Monday (May 26).
Riley, whose career dates back to 1997, only drives sparsely these days but did not disappoint as he guided Spriggs’ own Ayr Pioneer GB to victory, stopping the clock in 1:56.
The British bred 10-year-old gelded son of Soulofthematter got a heady, patient drive from Riley to prove the best in a three horse thriller — the winning margin a half-length over the late charging Wise Thinking, handled by Don Campbell, with Lets Flip Onit, teaming up with Peter Kleinhans, another nose back.
Beginning from post five, Ayr Pioneer GB left alertly to take charge early before relenting to Lets Flip Onit with the first panel in a snappy :27 with Fearless Shelia next. After a half in :57.1, Fearless Shelia was first to pull, forcing Ayr Pioneer GB to be patient as Wise Thinking set up shop second over as they straightened away for the sprint home. With four of them across the track, Riley found a bit of room and forged to the front, holding off Wise Thinking in the photo.
Said trainer Dinges after the race, “Dein had planned to come down but came down with something so I thought I had a very competent replacement right here in my barn…Michael Riley. He doesn’t drive that much these days but, make no mistake, he’s a very competent guy…and he proved that today!”
For Ayr Pioneer GB, who began his career in Great Britain, he earned his third win of the year in 13 starts, good for $23,095 this semester and $137,116 lifetime — $119,455 on North American soil since his arrival in late 2022.
For Riley, this win was his first start of the year in the bike with his last win being at Bluegrass Downs on June 16, 2018, a pari-mutuel event where nary one single dollar was wagered on his entry, B L Class Act.
It was a different story this time around as Ayr Pioneer GB paid $9.12 as the second choice, prompting trainer Dinges to remark, “See, it’s not only training expertise that is a step to success…it’s the brains to pick the right guy to get the job done!”
The USHDC continues to provide charitable assistance to worthwhile organizations with contributions made possible through the generosity of its members who donate 100% of their driving earnings in these events.