by Ryan Zidek, for the PA Fair Harness Horsemen’s Association

Meadville, PA — The third day of racing at the Crawford County Fairgrounds in Meadville, Pa., brought the return of Walter “Boots” Dunn to the bike, and at age 82, he proved that he can still get the job done.

Jeff Zidek photo

“Boots” Dunn drove SJs American Girl to a 2:13 score.

Dunn, a longtime USTA director and the winningest amateur driver in the sport with more than 1,150 career wins, went wire-to-wire in an overnight non-winners pace, catch-driving SJs American Girl to a 2:13 victory. Terry Altmeyer trains the winner for the S&J Racing Stable. For Dunn, it was his first drive since a win at the Crawford County Fair last August. He has now won his last three drives, and his win streak extends back four years.

Dunn also had a successful day as an owner/trainer, as the Dunn Stable’s Redder Than Red (SJ’s Caviar) equaled the all-age track record for trotters, covering the mile in 2:02.3. However, the win was a narrow one, as Bob And Bobby, driven by Steve Schoeffel, cut the mile in the 3-year-old PA Sire Stake trot, while Redder Than Red, with Roger Hammer at the lines, sat the pocket. Hammer made his move around the last turn and got up in the final stride for a neck victory. The mile equaled the mark set by Willhewon’the and Todd Schadel in 1993.

Ibanez took advantage of a break in the stretch by Trustworthy Kid to win the other $5,807 PASS 3-year-old colt trotting division. Ellen Warren and Eileen Lineweaver own, Randy Neal trains, and Eric Neal drove the Wonder Dancer gelding to the winner’s circle in a time of 2:03.2.

Two $5,817 divisions of the PASS 3-year-old filly trot were also contested, with Erin Kristen and driver Dave Brickell taking the first in 2:06.2. The Chip Chip Hooray filly is owned by Bill Kirwan and trained by John McMullen, Jr.

Magnolia Grace (Glidemaster) and driver Eric Neal used a burst of speed in the stretch to win the second division for trainer Bill Kreutzer and owners Jack and Sharon Claypoole in 2:05.2.

Two divisions of the 3-year-old Quaker Stake trot brought an end to the day, as RT Jack’s Torpedo and driver Bobby Rougeaux captured the first division in 2:11.2. Rougeaux also trains, and the Brocious Racing Stable owns the RT Giant gelding.

Eric Neal and Future Past went wire-to-wire to win the final race of the day in 2:08.3. Randy Neal trains and Andray Farm owns the Classic Photo filly.

Thursday (August 23) marks the final day of racing in 2012 at the Crawford County Fair, with eight races and a 12:30 p.m. post time.

For additional photos, video and information from the PA Fair Circuit, visit the Standardbred Breeders of PA website, www.standardbredbreederspa.org or the PA Fair Horsemen’s website, www.pafairharness.com.