by John Manzi, for the NAADA

Monticello, NY — In what was probably the biggest amateur purse race of the season, Gerry Fielding and Thirty Trips scored a 1-1/2 length triumph in the $12,000 final of the North American Amateur Drivers Association’s Fall Series Trot at Yonkers Raceway on Thursday night (Nov. 4). The final time over the muddy racetrack was 2:04.

After leaving from the five hole Fielding dropped Thirty Trips down along the pylons in fifth position in the early going as Bob Krivelin and TK Lindy cut the fractions.

When the field headed up the backside the second time around Fielding moved Thirty Trips to the outside and they ranged alongside the leader. Thirty Trips got the first call as the field rounded the final bend and headed for paydirt and despite a late rally by Joe Faraldo and Night’s Jazz, Thirty Tips was up to the challenge and kept Night’s Jazz at bay for the victory. Third place went to Anahar Charlie and driver Laura MacNamara while Krivelin and TK Lindy faded and finished fourth.

“When I looked over the program before the race I really didn’t expect to be a winner but at the start when (Alan) Schwartz’s horse (Iroquouindianmagic) made a break I thought maybe then I’d have a chance,” Fielding said. “And when I saw Faraldo move up the backstretch I moved my horse out in front of him which proved to be the winning move since Night’s Jazz couldn’t get by us. In the stretch Thirty Trips was strong and held off all challengers.

“I’ve driven Thirty Trips four times over the past two seasons and tonight ws my third win with him,” Fielding added.

Fielding wasn’t the only winner in that event.

“We wiil again be donating $5,000 to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation,” said NAADA President Joe Faraldo who just finished second in the NAADA Trotting Final. “It’s our pleasure to assist this worthwhile charity and we’re especially pleased knowing that harness racing was the vehicle to raise the money for the donation.”