by Patricia P. Miller, for GLADA

Delaware, OH — An eight horse field of pacers took to the famous half-mile Delaware track in the Fouts Memorial on Sunday (Sept. 16).

Richard Roach, the Great Lakes Amateur Driving Association’s season’s champion, drew the 7-year-old mare Shadowcross Arose and left from the five hole in a burst of speed. His mare ripped to the front, and Roach was on his way to living the dream, by driving at Delaware.

Roach and Shadowcross Arose carried the field through the first quarter in :28.4, to the half in :58, and three-quarters in 1:27.4, pacing steadily in the brilliant sunshine that lit up the crowded track.

Looking like a winner and being cheered on by several GLADA club members and their families, the pair still held on to the top spot in the stretch. Then Free My Mind, in rein to Kelly Walker, a last minute driver change, and Blissfull Knight with Karen Isbell in the sulky pressed Roach hard and inched ahead in the final rush to the wire.

Free My Mind pulled off the half-length win in 1:58.2, with Isbell up for second and Roach for the show dough, just three-quarters of a length behind the winner.

The exciting finish brought cheers from the crowd and huge smiles from the competitors. Michigander Steve Oldford represented the C.K.G. Billings series in the race, but he finished up the track with Serina Request, rounding out the excellent national amateur driving club annual race.

Roach was thrilled to not only get to drive in the race, but to come very close to winning it. A huge grin and those sparkling eyes told the story.

“She is a great mare and she gave it all she had,” he said. “I was excited and happy to race here and pleased with the horse and the results. What a race.”

Roach said he was honored and grateful to have his mother and sister in the crowd to watch the drive.

“They really wanted to come to Delaware, and they made it,” he said with a satisfied smile.