by Harness Racing Communications, a division of the USTA
DELAWARE, Ohio – Tyler Smith, a 12-year-old from Washington Court House, Ohio, became the youngest male driver in harness racing history to record a sub-2 minute race mile Sunday when he drove Look Lilly to victory in 1:59.1 during a matinee at the Delaware County Fairgrounds.
![](http://ustrottingnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/9369-TylerSmith.jpg)
USTA Photo
Tyler Smith, a 12-year-old from Washington Court House, Ohio, became the youngest driver in harness racing history to record a sub-2 minute mile (1:59.1) Sunday at the Delaware County Fairgrounds.
Smith, who was competing in his first race, broke the record set by then-14-year-old Adam Rucker in 1995. A person must be at least 12 years old to be eligible for a matinee license. Smith followed Look Lilly’s win by driving Chief Bearclaw to victory in 2:06.
The title of Youngest Driver ever of a 2:00 Mile is held by 11-year-old Alma Sheppard who time trialed Dean Hanover in 1:58 1/2 at The Red Mile on Sept. 24, 1937.
“It was fun,” Smith said. “I knew this mare had been racing good, but I had no idea I would break two minutes. It feels good. Hopefully, this is just the beginning.”
Smith has worked with his family’s horses since he was 2. In addition to driving, Smith has called races at fairs and matinees for the past two years. He called two races Sunday in Delaware after notching his two wins.
“Driving is more fun that announcing,” Smith said. “Someday I’d like to be like [Hall of Famer] John Campbell.”
The time of 1:59.1 was a new lifetime mark for Look Lilly, a 4-year-old pacing mare trained by Jeff Smith.