by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Always known as a stepping stone into metropolitan New York, many drivers often ply their trade at Monticello Raceway before moving on. In particular, two Michigan teamsters, Brad Kramer and Kevin Hough, have settled in at the Mighty M and have been more than holding their own.

Brad Kramer

Brad Kramer, one of the best drivers in the Wolverine State, has made a move eastward and after a slow start local trainers have been availing themselves of his services, much to their pleasure.

Besides driving during the week at Monticello Raceway, Kramer has been spending his weekends at Saratoga Raceway where last Saturday he reined five winners on their night card and has visited their winner’s circle more than 35 times last month alone.

On the Monday (Dec. 13) card at Monticello, Kramer reined two more winners and now has 28 since coming here over a month ago. His first victory on the card was with Rosemarie Moore’s Western Samantha ($17.00) in the first race. He then scored a 14 length triumph with trotter Little River Dance ($4.80) in the second race. That good looking 3-year-old Angus Hall filly is co-owned by Kramer along with Tim Hall, Richard Seidel and Scott MacArthur.

Kramer, 53, who has won driving titles at every racetrack in Michigan, now has 366 wins this season and 6,874 career driving victories.

Kevin Hough

Hough, on the other hand, reined three winners on the Mighty M’s Monday card. His first winner was with Alan Schwartz’s Pembroke Boogie ($6.70) in race three and he then scored a wire-to-wire triumph with David Duspiva’s Jim Jam Gigolett ($4.50) in race four. Hough made it three in a-row when he guided Mickey Golden’s Peteandart ($15.00) to victory in the fifth race.

Now with 75 driving victories here this season, the 23-year-old Allegan, Michigan native now has 89 for the year and 414 lifetime.

“Kevin has been driving more confidently this year than when he came a few seasons ago, and his win production has increased dramatically,” noted Shawn Wiles, the Mighty M’s Assistant General Manager.

Two years ago the local scribes honored Hough with their Rising Star Award at their year-end banquet and it seems that they were right on the money.