by Patricia Miller, for the Great Lakes Amateur Drivers Association

Delaware, OH — The 2013 Great Lakes Amateur Drivers Association champion Richard Roach hit the board in a tough race in the Fouts Memorial contest at the Delaware, Ohio Fair on Sunday (Sept. 15).

Driving the pacer Miss Michigan, a 5-year-old mare by I Scoot Hanover out of Princess Thailand, Roach raced her out of post seven and made the most of her talents, coming in third in 2:01 in a race that went in 1:59.

Miss Michigan is trained by Roger Huard and owned by Roger Huard, Danny Huard, and Kim Berry.

Roach won the opportunity to drive in this national memorial race by winning the GLADA championship this summer. The race is specifically for driving club champions from all over the country. Roach won the GLADA crown last year as well and followed up that win with a fine 2013 season at Hazel Park where GLADA raced each Monday and points accumulated all season toward the championship and the right to drive in the Fouts.

An experienced driver and tough competitor, Roach was supported by his family in attendance, watching and hoping for a win. He got away last and was still last at the half (:58.1). But he geared up Miss Michigan and moved steadily up the line, finishing just ahead of four horses, all in close contention for third.

“She’s a nice mare to drive, but it took awhile to catch fire and go,” he said with his quiet smile. “I was pleased to represent GLADA in this race, and it turned out OK.”