by John Manzi, for the Catskill Amateur Drivers Club

Monticello, NY — Even before the Catskill Amateur Drivers Club August Series got underway, time was allotted for a presentation to Hannah Miller, the overall point winner in the CADC Spring Series, which ended a few weeks ago.

Miller proudly accepted the plaque from CADC president Gerry Fielding prior to the Thursday (Aug. 6) race card getting underway at Monticello Raceway. In the spring series Miller displayed a driving prowess unequalled by any of her competitors en route to five victories in the organization’s spring events.

Geri Schwarz photo

Hannah Miller accepts her plaque from CADC president Gerry Fielding.

“This was unexpected,” Miller said upon receiving her trophy. “I has no idea that they would make a presentation to me today and I was surprised when they did, pleasantly so, I might add.

“I love driving in the amateur races and I really have no desire to become a professional. Racing in the amateurs is fun.”

“Amateur racing has become more visible since Hannah has been competing,” Fielding noted. “She can handle horses well and is not intimidated by her competition, which for the most part are men. She’s a real good driver and a real asset to the amateur movement. We’re glad she committed.”

Besides driving in the Catskill Amateur Series, Hannah also competes in the Billings Series and the GSY Series. Thus far this year the talented miss is carrying a .457 UDR on the strength of 21 wins, 14 seconds and 11 thirds in 71 starts and she has bankrolled nearly $100,000 in purse money.

Although Hannah Miller is a good driver and gets the bettor’s attention whenever she competes in a race, she still needs the power in front of her, something she didn’t have on that Aug 7 afternoon.

On Thursday in the inaugural of the four–race CADC August Series, Miller drove the Dennis Watson-trained Classy Character from post five and the bettors sent her off at odds of 4-1. Nearly left at the gate her horse got away slowly and never fired in a race that had many gaps after speedy fractions were set by Ken Heins with Horseshoe Tavern.

The race winner, CC’s Lover N, was the even money favorite from post four and was driven to a 1:58.2, three length victory by Matt Zuccarello. Blow Out and Joe Lee finished second with Horseshoe Tavern third.

The winner, an 11-year-old New Zealand-bred pacer, is owned by Miquel Alejo Hernandez. He paid $4.00 for win.

Eric Warner, the track’s senior director of racing, is pleased with the amateur races that are carded at the Mighty M.

“Fans love to wager on the amateurs,” he says. “They bet over $82,000 on that race alone today and it was the best bet race on the card.”