Oak Grove, KY – Some folks begin to reach their prime a “bit” later than others.
Just ask Don Campbell.
The 61-year-old McDowell, Ky., native earned his very first win in the sulky by guiding Wise Thinking to a handy 5-3/4 length win in the United States Harness Driving Club feature at Oak Grove Racing and Gaming on Monday (June 16).
Campbell, who has driven only sporadically during his career spanning only six seasons and 21 starts, looked like a seasoned pro on Monday as he used his inside post to perfection.
Working out a garden-seat journey, Campbell sent his 5-year-old gelded son of Thinking Out Loud bursting into the lead at the third station and then repelled an opponent’s bid turning for home before sprinting away late to score in 1:54.2.
Anns Marina Delray, driven by Cassidy Whitton, closed fastest of all to grab the place honors while Machs Dragon, teamed with Peter Kleinhans, was third.
Fateful Duel, cutting first half fractions of :26.3 and :56.1, fought hard and was tooth-and-nail with Wise Thinking at the third station in 1:24.1, finished fourth for Roy Marohn while Normandy Beach, overcoming the second-tier post, picked up the nickel for Jim “Trey” Brinson.
With Campbell unavailable for a post-race interview, USHDC President Dein Spriggs became spokesperson of Campbell saying, “I think he’s just too excited to do an interview. To say he’s ecstatic about winning, well, that, too, is an understatement.
“He drove a really good race – patient, professional – he really did a great job!”
Campbell also trains Wise Thinking for the Ely Stable, with the win being his second this semester (he won last week for Joey Putnam) in 15 starts, sending his 2025 bounty to $27,480 and $138,013 lifetime.
Wise Thinking was, indeed, the 6-5 favorite with the Oak Grove punters, paying $4.60 to win.