by Tammy Knox, Publicity Director, Hoosier Park

A big move after the quarter mile marker turned out to be the winning one for Cerignola and driver-trainer Joe Putnam in the season opener Saturday, April 2. The four-year-old son of Survivor Gold was an easy winner at the end, pulling away for the victory in a time of 1:57.1 by more than five lengths.

Jim Linscott photo

Drivers Don Irvine Jr. and Brett Miller, who finished one-two in the standings at Hoosier Park last year, participated in the special Reality Show Star Challenge Saturday, April 2. Miller was pulled through the race by Ryan Laster of “Elimidate” while Butch Lockley of “Survivor: Amazon” pulled Irvine. Laster and Miller won the contest in a photo finish over Lockley and Irvine.

“There was more early speed than I had anticipated,” said Putnam. “There is a demanding wind on the backside. Normally, I don’t use a horse that much into the wind, but I decided to make a move. I liked the horse and I liked his chances going into tonight’s race.”

The victory was the first in four 2005 tries for Cerignola. He is owned by Putnam, Trent Stohler, Bill Reepmeyer, and Tom Hudson. The gelding increased his career earnings to more than $15,000 with the victory, which was his seventh career trip to the winner’s circle.

A native of Michigan, Putnam has more than 2,000 career wins. He trains a stable of 20 at a nearby training center, including last year’s standing trotting filly Super Kay.

“We have five qualified and ten more to qualify in the next few weeks,” said Putnam. “I think we have some potential in the barn. It should be a good meet.”

Putnam, who is among the top ten drivers and trainers all-time at Hoosier Park, will be one of 12 drivers depicted with a figurine this season. Each Thursday throughout the meet, one driver will be featured. Putnam’s figurine is slated for Thursday, April 28.