Corbin, KY — The United States Harness Driving Club (UDHDC) and Cumberland Run—The Mint Gaming Hall honored the Kentucky State Police “Shop With A Trooper” program on Sunday, October. 12, with Jim “Trey” Brinson speeding away from the competition with a 10 length win with his own Miki Leaks.
The six-year-old gelded son of Always B Miki, alert off the wings from his post three into the garden spot early, took charge just after a :28.2 opener and carved put up a :56.4 number halfway through before sprinting away during a :28.1 third panel and sealing the deal with an easy :29.4 romp home, stopping the clock in 1:54.4
Rollin Dice, driven by Od Johnson, making his first lifetime pari-mutuel drive and well back in fifth the first half mile, sent his charge on a double-bubble binge on the backside and finished second.
Dontinvitemein, with Michael Riley handling the lines, finished third—just another nose back—after leading in the early steps off the wings and prominent in the garden spot most of the journey.
Ayr Pioneer GB, driven by USHDC President Dein Spriggs, finished fourth while Julie Miller, favored win this event with Jim Strikesitrich, picked up the nickel in the sharp pacing octet.
Owned by Steve McDaniel, Jr., Miki Leaks, second choice in the betting, paid $6.26 to win.
In a post-race interview, Kentucky State Police Spokesperson and Master Trooper Scottie Pennington related, “This program has been going on for many years—I have been involved for 30 years—and these donations received today totaling $5,000 from the driving club and the track enables us to help, literally, hundreds of kids in need.
“Some may be only months old and some are teenagers—but all are in need—and we are able to take them shopping at Christmas time to make their dreams and wishes come true.
“From clothing and the other necessities to bicycles, we put smiles on hundreds of faces and hope to do this forever.”
Pennington represents just one of 16 posts throughout Kentucky that hosts a “Shop With A Trooper” program during the holiday season.
Trooper Pennington had some final thoughts lamenting, “There are no sufficient words to show our appreciation to the United States Harness Driving Club and the team of the Cumberland Run and The Mint Gaming Hall for their generosity. You have given a holiday blessing to many, many children in need. You will be making dreams a reality.”