from the Iowa Harness Horse Association

What Cheer, IA — The 2-year-old and older Iowa-registered trotters took center stage on the first day of the Keokuk County Fair on Friday (July 13).

In the first of two divisions of Iowa-registered feature trots for freshman colts and geldings, Al-Mar Winstar upset the undefeated Ricky Be Sharp.

Vickie Rush photo

The Rex Wilkening Memorial Iowa Trot went to Slim Gem.

Ricky Be Sharp and driver Lorenza Gooch led the field of six until the head of the stretch when the gelding hit the gallop. Al-Mar Winstar, piloted by Mark Mintun, took advantage of the uncharacteristic break and finished on top in 2:06. The 2-year-old Powerful Emotion gelding is owned by Mark Holtan and trained by Joel McDanel.

The second division went to Kick Away who found the winner’s circle again after last winning on this track in his first start back in May. Kick Away finished in 2:08 with Dan Roland in the bike. The 2-year-old Weight Lifter gelding is owned, trained and raised by Dan Roland and his wife Jeri.

Sponsored by Key Coop, two divisions of Iowa-registered feature fillies both out-trotted the colts. Gary Liles’ filly All Taylor Made charged off the gait in the first division and never led by less than seven lengths, winning in 2:05.4. This is the first win for All Taylor Made, an And Away We Go filly.

Thomas and Kathy Shipley’s filly Bankn-On-Emily cashed in on her fourth win in six starts with Royal Roland taking the reins. The pair pulled to take the lead at the half, then drew away from the field winning by 12 lengths in 2:05.2.

The Rex Wilkening Memorial Iowa Trot went to Slim Gem. The 5-year-old Manofmanymissions gelding drew post position six, forcing him to race from the second tier. Trained and driven by Royal Roland, Slim Gem steadily picked off his adversaries — fourth at the quarter, third at the half, second at the three-quarters — until he overcame 2017 older champion The Winnin Dollar at the head of the stretch to win in 2:03.2. Slim Gem is owned by Royal and Barb Roland and Dale Hein.

Iowa racing action continues Saturday at the Keokuk County Fair when ten fields of 2-year-old pacers and 3-year-old trotters return to the track. Post time is 12:30 p.m.