by Sam Pendolino, publicity director, Buffalo Raceway

Hamburg, NY — Last year on January 14, Keith Kash, Jr. received the Peter Haughton Memorial Award for the top up and coming driver in Ohio. On Saturday, March 17, 2007, he drove his 1,000th winner behind Shining Art for owner David J. Slyman of Richfield Ohio, here at Buffalo Raceway.

Nicknamed “Josh”, this 27–year-old Ohioan was especially pleased that family members were here to witness the special occasion.

“Glad to have my family, especially my mom, here to see this,” said Kash. “I had a really good week and had some horses in good spots.”

Keith Kash, Jr. is joined by his family after driving his 1,000th career winner.

Leaving from the pylons in the field of eight, Kash and Shining Art let Spirit Of Osborne and driver Kevin Cummings take the lead heading to the quarter pole, which they reached in :29.4. Not content with being second, Kash and Shining Art quickly retook the lead and never looked back as the 5-year-old Real Artist gelding registered a two length win in 2:01.2 over second place finishers Dudley Doright and reinsman Jim Morrill, Jr. Longshot Dale Junior (Vern Smith) came in the show spot.

“It was really nice to hit the milestone with a stable horse,” said a jubilant Kash. “I owe a lot to my dad, who drives in Ohio and has 1,400 wins. That’s my next target, I’m trying to catch him and have some bragging rights. He was a big influence in my life. He’s my best friend.”

When asked about the future Kash replied, “I’m still thinking about going east. I really enjoyed the few times I raced at Yonkers this year.”

The $1,650 share of the winning purse put Shining Art’s season’s bankroll at $5,001 and $16,125 lifetime. He paid $2.60 to win as the prohibitive choice in the betting. John Dunlap is the trainer.

My Good Sam goes meet’s fastest mile in Open Pace

In Saturday’s tenth race, the $10,000 Open Handicap Pace, a step up in class didn’t bother My Good Sam and driver Ron Beback, Jr. The 7-year-old Nobleland Sam gelding registered a half length win over second place finishers Armbro Animate and driver Jim Morrill, Jr. in 1:56.2, which is the fastest pacing mile of the meet so far. Niarun and reinsman Jim McNeight came in third.

Harnessracephotos.com – Paul White

My Good Sam (#4) edged Armbro Animate (#7) in the Open Handicap Pace.

It was My Good Sam’s third win in a row.

“Pop out ear plugs have helped a lot,” said Beback about the equipment change. “I thought Jimmy’s horse (Armbro Animate) was the best tonight and I wanted to follow them. Every week he gets better and better and I just hope it continues.”

Owned by James T. and James M. Dunn of Florida and New York, the $5,000 share of the winning purse put My Good Sam’s season’s bankroll at $12,790 and $129,787 lifetime. Overlooked by the public, he paid a hefty $22.80 to his lucky backers. Ron Beback, Jr. is also the trainer.

Racing will resume on Wednesday, March 21, with first post scheduled for 6:30 p.m.