Oak Grove, KY – Jilliby Dynamite A, superbly handled by Peter Kleinhans, took top honors as the United States Harness Driving Club (USHDC) honored the Christian County 4-H Club at Oak Grove Racing and Gaming on Monday (July 6).
The 4-H Club is part of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and serves people ages nine to 18 through hands-on education activities, leadership development and community service.
USHDC President Dein Spriggs said, “This great organization does so much for the community covering agriculture technology, leadership and citizenship. They are an integral part of their community, that’s for sure.”
As far as the USHDC event, itself, it was all Kleinhans as he owns, trains and drove the winner to a 1:53.4 score, slicing through the wire 2-1/4 lengths ahead of Mistertenahkey, handled by Jalen Gray.
Rodman, given sharp handling vy Adarryl Gates, Jr., overcame the 8 post and was in the hunt all the way to finish third, just a nose back in the place photo, while I Understand, with OD Johnson handling the line, another neck back in fourth.
Rogers Image, driven by Jill Brown, again closed fastest of all to pick up the nickel for Jill Brown.
Kleinhans did have his work cut out for him beginning from the outside post 9 but had Jilliby Dynamite A in “firecracker” shape as he left with alacrity and began grinding his way forward as Search The Sea, coupled with Denarius Dortch and Rodman battled through a :27.1 initial quarter with Rodman taking charge with Search The Sea in the garden spot with Dynamite Desire, teamed with Victor Allen, away third from the inside post and Jilliby Dynamite A, still grinding forward with every stride, finally reaching the top spot at the half in :55.4.
It was still no cakewalk after that as, during a :28.3 backside quarter, Jilliby continued to lead but met some company at the 1:24.2 third station as Dynamite Desire came to call with another threat lnooming from Mistertenahkey.
Turning for home, these two raced as a team but, once straightened away, Jilliby Dynamite A drew off to leave the issue never in doubt.
In a post race interview from his announcer’s booth at Oak Grove, Kleinhans lamented, “When I saw the “8” leaving, I decided to follow him and catch his cover.
“Once he made the top, it was a question of whether the “8” would want to battle and kill both of us or let me go so he could have the garden seat.
“He let me go and, although I had some company at the three-quarters and, again, more company turning for home, I just chirped and “Jilliby” answered the call.”
The win was the third in 14 starts this season, good for $22,285 and $278,780 lifetime—$216,276 of that bounty here in the U.S.A.
This was the fourth success for Kleinhans in 16 starts and his 4-4-3 scorecard leaves his UDRA at .451. It was his 93rd lifetime win.
The winner was 3-5 on the tote-board and returned—$3.40—to win.
Next on the USHDC agenda is honoring and contributing to the Christian County Cattlemen’s Association on July 13.