Oak Grove, KY – Performing in what can only be described a “fabulous” manner, a 4-year-old Downbytheseaside mare by that same name — Fabulous — took top honors in the United States Harness Driving Club (USHDC) Monday (June 8) feature at Oak Grove Racing & Gaming.
With Danarius Dortch in the sulky for trainer Archie Buford, Fabulous scored by three-parts-of-a-length over the fastest closing White Belly, handled by Cassidy Whitton, in 1:54.
Mistertenahkey also went a brave trip for show honors, with Jalen Gray in his sulky, while Rogers Image went an “even-steven” mile to finish fourth for Jill Brown.
Its Gonna Feelgood was moved up a notch to pick up the nickel for Don Campbell.
Leaving from post 2, Fabulous left with alacrity to engage the 8-5 favorite, Rocket Russell, with Adarryl Gates Jr. driving, and, when a hot :26.2 opener lit up the timer, Fabulous was in the garden spot after a half in :55.3 with Rocket Russell still second but Mistertenahkey giving a notion of sprinting from third once they entered the backside.
With pace quickening during the third quarter, Mistertenahkey did, indeed, pull, forcing the hand of Fabulous, who left the cozy pocket and brushed into the lead with Mistertenahkey giving chase past the third station in 1:23.4.
Once they straightened away for the wire, Fabulous was holding firm with only White Belly gaining, but that one ran out of racetrack and finished second, a scant nose ahead of Mistertenahkey.
In a post-race interview, driver Dortch said, “Once I tipped my mare out, she just responded like the real good mare she is and I knew, then, that I was home free and she just coasted to the wire.
“Archie (trainer Buford) and I both knew she’d be good today — we were excited about the race all week long — and I was glad to be in her sulky for the win.”
This was Fabulous’ first success of the season in seven starts and pushed her career earnings to $57,310 while taking a new lifetime mark of 1:54.
For Dortch, his yearly stats now show a 9-3-4 scorecard I’m 23 starts, vaulting his UDRS batting average to a lofty .522.
Trainer Buford sports a .402 average himself this semester.
After the event, a large gathering in the Oak Grove Racing & Gaming winner’s circle honored the Redemption Ranch, Cedar Hill, Tenn., a 501c3 organization that specializes as a healing ranch where individuals are paired with horses through a guided horsemanship program for people of all ages and walks of life, offering hope through difficult times.
USHDC President Dein Spriggs said, “Our driver’s club is honored to take part in donating to this incredible organization helping those in need from ages 2 to 92.
“We have been involved with their charity for years and, along with our other donations to area sanctuaries, we are honored participate in co-operation with Oak Grove Racing & Gaming.
“While our club membership donates 100% of their earnings driving in these events, it certainly wouldn’t be possible without Cara Collins and her exceptional staff here at Oak Grove.”