by Patricia P. Miller, for GLADA

Hazel Park, MI — Heavy storm clouds dumped a downpour on Hazel Park and then moved on as race time rolled around on Monday night (June 18). But one stroke of lightning remained: Christina Kennedy drove Striking Lightning, her own 6-year-old horse by Striking Sahbra, to her first GLADA victory of the season, a stroke of brilliant light as she battled down the stretch and tripped the camera.

Eight amateur drivers took to the track and moved quickly to the gate, ready to show off their skills and their horses’ speed and training. All were primed to leave and the starter’s shout of go unleashed a flood of “leavers” trying for position on the rail by the first turn.

A fast quarter time of :28.4 found Believable in rein to Kelly Walker in front, with previous winner Richard Roach in the sulky driving My Littlej and taking in some Michigan air. Travlin Butch with Larry McCarty aboard held down the third spot with eventual winner Kennedy in fourth, and Pat Miller driving her own Hay Look Out in fifth.

The half-mile mark of :59.1 found the same lineup as the backstretch loomed and final maneuvering began for the last turn toward home.

Kennedy moved Striking Lightning out to charge down the stretch and My Littlej challenged the race leader Believable, who faded just enough to leave the last battle to Kennedy and Roach. Cheering fans went wild as the two passed Believable in deep stretch and lightning stuck as Kennedy managed to take the prize, nose and nose with Roach’s My Littlej. Walker held on for third prize in a race that went in 2:00.3.

GLADA races are exciting and spirited and the competition grows each week. As the summer progresses, one driver will eventually win the final point competition. Each race has produced a different winner so far, so the suspense grows.

Monday evenings at Hazel Park provide, thanks to the leadership of the late Dennis Walton and race secretary Ladd Biro, a great venue for amateur harness racing and the amateurs love to light up the board. Friends and fans gather at the rail and love to watch and cheer for their favorites.