Oak Grove, KY – Chesterman, teamed up with John Mungillo, took advantage of some hot fractions to score a 1:57 win in the United States Harness Driving Club (USHDC) feature at Oak Grove Racing and Gaming on Monday (June 9).
The 4-year-old gelded son of Bettor’s Delight, trained by Wayne Oke, hit the wire 1-3/4 lengths ahead of Ayr Pioneer GB, driven by Dein Spriggs, with Machs Dragon, with Roy Marohn handling the lines, a quarter-length back in third.
Hold My Drink, with Travis Williams, Jr. in the bike, was another neck back in fourth while Anns Marina Delray picked up the nickel for Cassidy Whitton.
Leaving from post two, Chesterman was in no hurry as Hold My Drink, post one, Anns Marina Delray, post three, and Senor Sharpsburg, leaving from post five, got in a civil war or sorts with Senor Sharpsburg and Anns Marina Delray firing bullets at each other during early fractions of :26.3 and :55.2, with Chesterman next and ready to make a double-bubble move when asked.
It was at the third station in 1:24.3 when Mungillo asked Chesterman and that one began to pick up the pieces turning for home.
With seven contenders spread across the Oak Grove oval mid-stretch, Chesterman was strongest of all when it counted to gain entrance to the winner’s circle.
In a post-race interview, driver John Mungillo related, “I had recently shod this horse for Wayne (trainer Oke) and he put me down to drive him.
“I knew they would be leaving pretty good in there early and, with post two, I was in the garden spot being fourth.
“He (Chesterman) was ready to go on the backside and he needed no prodding to do what he was supposed to do.”
The win sent Chesterman’s scorecard to 2-2-2 in 17 starts, good for $29,320 this semester and $66,989 lifetime.
For Mungillo, primarily known for his training prowess – 1,178 wins – he has driven only sparingly over the past 35 years, and it was his 125th career win.
Chesterman is trained by 83-year-old Oke for Mulligan Stables and the Calcutta Stable.
Oke’s career in harness racing dates back close to a half century and has enjoyed a revival of sorts since 2020, with his latest win being his 100th over the past five seasons.
Chesterman returned $7.52 as second choice in the wagering.