by Tammy Knox for the Egyptian Colt Stakes

Anna, Ill. – After making a miscue at the start of her last race, Winsome Wyoming and 91-year-old owner-trainer-driver Leo Burns were back on track at the Union County Fair Wednesday, Aug. 23. The duo dominated their division in a time of 2:05.2 in the Egyptian Colt Stakes in the first of three days of harness racing action.

Burns planted Winsome Wyoming right on the front and his opponents could not reach the duo for a challenge. In the end, Burns and the flashy chestnut filly by Wilson Wyoming were 35 lengths ahead of the field for their seventh win in eight outings this year. The two-year-old now has in excess of $14,000 on her card. Tuf’s Gift and Buddy Simpson, who is closing in on 1,000 career wins, finished second. Defiant Girl and Pat Melloy Jr. finished third.

Burns will head to the DuQuoin State Fair the last week in August for his next start with Winsome Wyoming. Burns hails from Albion, Ill. and oversees the training of two horses.

In other action at the Union County Fair, 19-year-old driver Brian Cotton represented the younger generation with the fastest win of the day. Cotton guided two-year-old Heidi’s Dancer to victory in a time of 1:59.3 for owner Patrick Gafford of Tennessee.

Heidi’s Dancer moved quickly to the lead, posting the victory by eight lengths. The son of Big Tom is trained by Brian’s father, Phil. The Cottons are stabled at their home track in Fairfield, Ill. Ful Cheers and Freddie Patton Jr. finished second over Leonard Place and T. Tetrick for third.

Former NFL Denver Bronco player Antonious Kimbrough earned another victory with his mare, Mac’s Emily Flash. Kimbrough guided her to victory in the final race of the day, stopping the timer in 2:01.1. Fast Track Bid, who is closing in on $100,000 in career earnings, finished second for Joe Haught of Goreville, Ill. Royal Red Ivory and Cotton finished third.