Oak Grove, KY – When Director of Racing Cara Collins and Racing Secretary Mike Hollenbeck create their racing programs, they, of course, have the horsemen and the fans to consider in making the events as competitive as possible.
Yet another consideration is the outreach to the community in partnership with the United States Harness Driving Club (USHDC), an “institution” that’s in it’s 30th year of giving as club members donate 100% of earnings from their races to worthy charitable causes, elevating harness racing into yet another sphere of popularity.
As USHDC President Dein Spriggs said, “We have a mindset of making a difference in our communities with our outreach and, sometimes, it stretches even much further than that.”
On Monday, April 27, that generosity stretched into Cedar Hill, TN, as a large contingency from the Steele Magnolia Sanctuary was on hand at Oak Grove Racing and Gaming to receive yet another contribution.
“Here’s an organization—a sanctuary—that is a healing place for horses and humans that provides a permanent refuse for abandoned, abused and neglected horses, with many of those horses rehabilitated and, then, able to offer healing to children and adults through therapeutic equine related activities,” added Spriggs. “It’s really quite remarkable and our USHDC club is honored to play a role in their exceptional work.”
As for the donation day, Monday USHDC featured pacing event, amateur driver Peter Kleinhans guided his own 7-year-old American Ideal gelding Beach Vibes to a handy win measuring a “neck” away from 10 lengths, covering the mile in 1:52.2.
D A Wicked Shine, was second for Dein Spriggs, in the bike for trainer Tony Dinges, while Real Amie finished third with Danarius Dortch handling the lines.
Docs Star finished fourth for Michael Riley while Talk Racy To Me picked up the nickel for Jaylen Gray.
As the wings folded, Buck Art, driven by John Mungillo was away with alacrity and posted a sizzler of an opener—:26.3— with Doc’s Star in hot pursuit—these two on even terms through an open half in :55.2 with Real Amie next and Beach Vibes getting ready to attack from fourth, trying to justify his 2-5 tote-board favoritism.
During the next quarter mile, Beach Vibes blitzed a :27.3 panel of his own to take charge with an effortless :28.4 finale handily sealing the issue.
It was the initial win of the year in eight starts for Beach Vibes, vaulting his career bankroll to $182,255.
The winner paid $2.82 to his multitude of faithful.
As for Kleinhans, this was his second success in nine Amateur events this year—his first being at Yonkers Raceway in February.
Kleinhans is now the author 81 career wins.
The “gift of giving” continues May 4 with the Volunteer Equine Advocates being the honored beneficiary. They are known for the rescue, rehabilitation and welfare of the equine breed.