by Tammy Knox, Publicity Director, Hoosier Park

Tony Kimbrough, former NFL player for the Denver Broncos, won his first career pari-mutuel race in the $6,000 first leg of the Tubby Trimble Series Wednesday, May 4 at Hoosier Park. Bark Bark gave Kimbrough the victory, winning at odds of 13-1 while pacing the mile in 1:54.4, a career best.

“It’s hard to believe I won my first race,” said Kimbrough. “Bark Bark is the first pari-mutuel horse I have had. I am happy to get the opportunity to race against the best drivers and horses Indiana has to offer.”

Jim Linscott photo

Tony Kimbrough, former NFL player for the Denver Broncos, won his first career pari-mutuel race aboard Bark Bark.

However, Bark Bark and Kimbrough had to wait for the celebration as they were forced to come from off the pace to get the job done. At the start, heavy favorite All Natural Power and driver Ricky Macomber Jr. took first command as the field of eight passed the grandstand for the first time.

Heading to the first quarter pole, Hi I’m Johnny Kash, with driver Doug Rideout, stuck a neck in front of All Natural Power to grab the lead while clocking the first panel in :27.1. Down the backstretch, S D Poignant and driver Jay Cross emerged to get the lead. All Natural Power regained the lead right after the half, which went in :56.3.

All Natural Power’s advantage grew going around the final turn. After the third quarter in 1:25.1, Macomber Jr. seemed to have All Natural Power in perfect position. A lead that extended to two lengths in the stretch quickly diminished as Bark Bark and Kimbrough came flying from off the pace to get up and take the win. S D Poignant rallied back to finish second. All Natural Power held on for third.

“I had to pull his (Bark Bark) earplugs after passing the half-mile marker,” said Kimbrough. “We got out on the outside after passing the three-quarter pole. I knew we had a chance to win the race when we were coming down the stretch.”

Bark Bark returned $28.00, $6.80, and $3.40 for the victory. The race was only Kimbrough’s second career pari-mutuel start. He worked on getting his professional license for a couple of years. The win was also Bark Bark’s first win of the season in six outings. Kimbrough, a native of Sturgis, Miss., owns and trains the five-year-old son of Townation.

In earlier non-betting action, Powerful Cam and driver Kyle Ater took the first division of the Trimble Series. Fighting their way on the inside in the stretch, the duo won in a time of 1:55.1. The win was Powerful Cam’s first victory of the season. Powerful Shock and driver Walter Haynes Jr. finished second. Bankwalker, with driver Don Irvine Jr., finished third.