Oak Grove, KY — The Christian County 4-H Club, part of the University of Kentucky and Kentucky State University information network, were the beneficiaries to the tune of $2,000 on Monday (July 8) as the United States Harness Driving Club honored their important work with a presentation at Oak Grove Racing and Gaming.

The programs, available in Christian County, include 4-H Youth development, Agricultural and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, Horticulture and Community and Economic Development.

USHDC president Dein Spriggs (left) was in the winner’s circle with Cara Collins (second from left) and Club members John Mungillo and Trey Brinson to honor the grand work of the Christian County 4-H Club. Mark Herron photo.

In making the presentation, USHDC president Dein Spriggs related, “This is an incredible educational resource for all Kentuckians and serves as an important catalyst to build better communities and quality of life.

“Their all important work helps develop youth, adults, families and communities while fostering lifelong use of natural resources.

“They are an amazing organization that seems to have the spirit that nothing is impossible and there is ‘always a way’ to help and the USHDC has the honor of donating to their important work.”

Speaking of finding “always a way,” on the racetrack for the USHDC feature, the aptly named favorite Always A Way (Always A Virgin) took charge at the opening marker in :28, repelled a challenge at the half in :56.1 and went unthreatened the rest of the way, posting a three-quarter time of 1:25.3 en route to a handy win in 1:56.2 for owner-trainer-driver William Aldrich. Elocutionist, handled by Roy Marohn and off at 65-1, finished second, 1-1/2 lengths away, with Allgonowhoa third for Gary Campbell.

The 4-year-old gelding Always A Way won for the third time this semester in 20 starts, vaulting his 2024 bounty to $43,725 — his best season ever — and $94,627 lifetime.

For William Aldrich, who drives only sparingly, it was his first win since July 23, 2015 at Lebanon Raceway with Feelin Colossal in an Ohio Fair Stakes for 2-year-old pacing fillies. It was his 25th career win since his debut in 1988.

The winner went off at 46 cents to a dollar and paid $2.92 to win.

The USHDC has donated over $320,000 to charitable causes since its inception with the donation made possible by the generosity of its members dedicating 100 percent of their driving earnings in USHDC events to charity.