by John Manzi, for the Delvin Miller Amateur Drivers Association

Monticello, NY — Last Thursday (Sept. 29), at Lexington in a Billings Trot, Steve “You’re Never Too” Oldford and Celtic Merchant were locked in by the eventual winner Rush N Supreme, driven by Kelly “Sky” Walker, and finished third but on Thursday (Oct. 6) Oldford and his trotter emerged victorious in the Gentleman’s Driving Club Trot in a time of 1:56 over The Red Mile.

“It was a revenge race for me, getting back at Walker for winning last week,” Oldford said with tongue in cheek as he and Walker were driving back to Michigan together on Friday morning. “We had a great night, with lots of fun, and of course it’s always a good time when you win a heat.”

Oldford should know something about winning a heat or two as he is the runaway points leader in the Midwest Region of the C.K.G. Billings Harness Driving Championship Series. Now with five wins in Billings competition, Oldford’s 116 points are almost double that of runner-up “Joltin’ Joe” Pennacchio’s 61.

With his victory last week and now with a fourth place finish with Rush N Supreme, Walker has vaulted into sixth position on the Midwest leaderboard.

According to Oldford he took no prisoners and set sail for the lead with Celtic Merchant from the three hole in the Gentleman’s Driving Club Trot. They made the front before the quarter which was trotted in :28.2 and then Oldford played hardball and kept Walker and Rush N Supreme parked when they moved from far back early.

Oldford showed no mercy to Walker as their trotters passed the halfway point in a swift :56.2. As Celtic Merchant passed the three- quarters, Rush N Supreme had faded and now Oldford had to contend with Paris Pike, driven by Rodney Debeck, who made their run in the homestretch after a two hole journey.

Paris Pike closed ground but Celtic Merchant was up to the challenge and held on for a neck triumph over Debeck’s trotter. Third place went to Pierre Levec, driven by Alan Sisco.

The Gentleman’s Driving Club race was not exclusively a Billings Trot but the Billings members with horses that fit the series criteria earned points for their placings.

Next up in Billings action, as the series heads down the homestretch, will be on Monday (Oct. 10) at Saratoga Raceway.