Oak Grove, KY – As the Oak Grove Racing and Gaming harness racing season races toward the finish line on Tuesday (July 16), the Oak Grove Racing team is fortunate to have quite a “one-two” punch in the form of Kevin Mack and Cara Collins.

Their efforts allowed the United States Harness Driving Club (USHDC) to distribute record contributions to charitable causes during the meeting with the Christian County Cattlemen Association the latest to receive a $2,000 contribution on Sunday (July 14).

A large contingent from the Christian County Cattleman’s Association were in the Oak Grove Racing winner’s circle to accept a $2,000 donation from the USHDC. Drivers Tray Brinson, USHDC President Dein Sproggs and John Mungillo (left to right) Mark Herron Photo.

As part of the Chamber of Commerce, the Association is part of a mission to provide service and leadership resulting in a prosperous economy for all County citizens built on. Leadership, teamwork and the recognition of excellence celebrating individual and team achievements in the County.

A pair of $20,000 USHDC events were carded—one each on Sunday and Monday (July 15) —with Captain Mckee (Captaintreachwerous) winning on Sunday for Jafari Frazier and Seth Hanover, with John Mungillo handling the lines, scoring on the Monday card.

Captain Mckee made a huge double bubble binge approaching the three-quarter mile mark, took charge turning for home and held off the determined late sprint of Rockin Ella Mae, driven by Tyler Maxwell, to score by a half-length in 1:54.4.

Shakeanera, forced to pace a mile (and 25 yards) outside looking in, was a solid third for Shae Vandervort while She’s A Fireball was fourth for Cassidy Whitton. Ayr Pioneer GB picked up the nickel for Dein Spriggs.

Trained by John Hughes, who co-owns with Delbert Roberts, Captain Mckee won for the third time this year in 14 starts, sending his 2024 bankroll to $21,420. His lifetime total now stands at $122,014 with the winner rewarding his faithful with a $15.10 mutuel.

Seth Hanover’s win on Monday was quite a “bit” easier for John Mungillo as this 6-year-old gelded son of Artspeak got superior handling from Mungillo, carving up early panels of :27.2 and :57.4 before a :56.2 final half mile sealed the deal by 1 1/2 lengths over the 21-1 long-shot, Lanesville Logic GB, teamed with Dein Spriggs—that mile in 1:56.1.

Unhynged Speed closed well for Peter Kleinhans to finish on the board third while Spartacus Bluechip next for Michael Riley. Mach Diesel paced an “even-steven” mile to pick up the final check.

Trained by Don Campbell for owner Nancy Cannon, Seth Hanover, using the inside post to perfection, paid $4.30 to his multitude of faithful.

Seth Hanover now sports a 2-2-5 scorecard in 19 starts, good for $47,160 this semester and $418,449 lifetime.

For Mungillo, by the way, who is known for his training prowess with 1,177 wins “back of the scenes,” this was his first win in the bike since May 4, 2019 at Pompano Park with Kegler Hanover in their amateur event.

The USHDC now has contributions totaling over $330,000 since their inception, made possible by the generosity of the members donating all driving earnings in ISHDC event to charity.