Corbin, KY – The United States Harness Driving Club (USHDC) held its final feature of the Cumberland Run season on Sunday (Nov. 2), with 20-year-old Jalen Gray reaching the winner’s circle for his first ever pari-mutuel win.
Gray gave Tapped Teen, a 7-year-old gelded son of Sweet Lou, a confident drive from post two, taking the lead off the wings during a :28.1 opener before settling in the garden spot back of Talk Racy To Me, handled by Trey Brinson, through a half in :58.4.
Gray said, “He felt like he wanted to race just after that, and I pulled him, and I felt the pace really got quick and we were battling through that third quarter (:27.4) and he still felt strong and drew away after that. He raced a really good mile (1:56) for me!”
Talk Racy To Me did finish second for Brinson, 2-1/2 lengths away, with Adarryl Gates closing fastest of all, :28.4, to finish third with Wise Thinking.
D A Wicked Shine was fourth for Dein Spriggs while Pictonian Thunder picked up the final award for Od Johnson.
Gray, who will be 21 on Nov. 16, just received his “P” license “a couple of weeks back” and quickly proved his performances at the fair tracks in Tennessee and Mississippi were no fluke with his 37-11-6-6 scorecard and a .441 UDRS.
Having experience with horses since he “could walk,” Gray learned the trade from his father, longtime horseman Mickey Gray.
“I grew up with horses,” Jalen said, “so I got a great education learning about them from nose to tail.
“After I got my (P) license, I hooked up with trainer John Hughes here and he was the one who gave me this opportunity to drive Tapped Teen, and I really appreciate his confidence and the opportunity.
“You need breaks like this to get started, that’s for sure.”
When asked if he was going to be the next Dave Palone, the humble Gray continued, “At this stage, I’m just happy to be in the winner’s circle today. I’ll keep working day-in and day-out to keep getting better.
“There are a lot of great drivers out there today and I just hope to prove that I am good enough to be on the same racetrack as them.”
By the way, Tapped Teen sent his 2025 stats at 3-4-5 in 23 starts and $32,807 in bounty. His lifetime earnings vaulted to $221,012 with Michael Tarkington the beneficiary of today’s win.
As fourth choice in the betting in this closely matched race, Tapped Teen paid $10.36 to his faithful.
After this race, USHDC President Dein Spriggs remarked, “You know, all of the goodwill and charitable giving and community efforts would never have been possible without the blessings of some great personnel here in Kentucky.
“Race Secretary Kevin Mack and The Mint’s Shannon Taylor have played such an important role in making things a success and our appreciation is beyond words.”