by Frank Drucker, Empire City at Yonkers Raceway Publicity Director

YONKERS, NY— The New York chapter of the Greg Grismore Drum and Bugle Corps, which hadn’t had a whole lot to cheer about since their namesake invaded Fun City a week ago, was beribboned and festooned Friday night at a moist Yonkers Raceway.

That’s because Grismore finally found the Westchester winner’s circle…not once, but twice, the first two local victories for Northfield Park’s leading driver.

After finishing second in the $4,000, second-race pace with Mach Four Par Tees and fourth with his next assignment, Grismore and 14-1 Nature’s Fury A closed from last turning for home to upset in the $7,000, sixth-race pace.

The 10-year-old Down Under Vintner gelding paid $31 right off the claim for owner Kevin (Cake Boy) Quinn and trainer Dennis Laterza.

Grismore then wired ’em with his next charge, the Saratoga invader Meantnodisrespect ($9.70) in the $6,000, eighth-race pace. John Rybka Jr. trained the 4-year-old Blissful Hall gelding.

Grismore’s two winners were a combined 5-for-73 this season coming in. He had been 0-for-10 since arriving at Yonkers.

“It feels a lot better after tonight,” Grismore said. “It gave me much more confidence and I hope the owners and trainers have more confidence in me.

“I knew it was going to be an adjustment, and I’m prepared for that,” Grismore said. “Driving at Yonkers is completely different than Northfield, and I’m learning as I go along.”

Another driving “invader,” Eric Goodell, also won two races on the 10-race card, as did Mark Beckwith and leading driver Stephane Bouchard. Jim Marohn and Bruce Aldrich Jr. accounted for the night’s other driving victories.