by Frank Drucker, publicity director, Yonkers Raceway

Yonkers, NY — Amateur driver George Newell, Jr. won the first race of his brief career on Tuesday night (March 9), taking a $4,000 division of the North American Amateur World Cup at Yonkers Raceway.

Newell guided the 13-year-old gelding Day Of Doom to an easy, four ength victory in 2:06³ over a “sloppy” track. The pair avoided first-turn trouble and sat pocketed to Crown Regent (Robert Jacques). Newell then edged Day Of Doom ($7.90) by just before the three-quarter pole and opened up.

Newell, 32, is a native of Brooklyn who now resides in Bellport, New York. Introduced to the sport by the Corelli famly, he has been warming up horses at the Raceway for the last number of years while competing in several amateur events.

“It’s the biggest thrill,” Newell said. “It made all the work worth it. When I turned for home with the lead, I said, ‘Just make sure he doesn’t run.’; I’m hoping this gets me noticed so I can get more opportunities.”

Tuesday’s other $4,000 North American World Cup Amateur dash went to the preeminent amateur driver Alan Schwartz, who guided his own Jordan ($3.90) to a comfortable win.

Jordan, a 10-year-old son of J R Broline trained by Peter Stratton, eased from the pocket in the lane, going by Baltic Boxer (Scott Woogen) to prevail by a length and three-quarters in 2:05⁴.