by John Manzi, for the C.K.G. Billings Amateur Driving Series

Monticello, NY — “Lawbook Larry” Farley and his veteran trotter Rewrite The Rules got up in the final strides to collar GJ Photo Victory and “Trader Bud” Hatfield to win the Billings contest in 2:04.3 at Lebanon Raceway on Oct. 19. Cash On The Rail finished third for Victor “Cruise Control” Gray, Sr.

Sent off as second choice from the three hole, Farley found room along the pylons in second position and he wisely stayed there following the cover of Littlebitofhoney and driver Dave “Linemaster” Ehrenberg. When Ehrenberg’s trotter was challenged by GJ Photo Victory, Littlebitofhoney went off-stride and Trader Bud’s horse took command.

But a patient Farley stayed along the pylons and when he made his move in the lane Rewrite The Rules was the strong horse at the wire and they scored a well-earned triumph.

An attorney from Berkey, Ohio, Farley has been a longtime member of the Billings Series and has driven harness horses as a hobby and a pleasure since 1981. In the late 1990s, Farley drove in the Legal Eagle Pace at Monticello Raceway, a race specifically for drivers who were also lawyers.

Rewrite The Rules paid $10.00 for win. It was the trotter’s fourth victory of the season and for Farley his 49th winning drive of his amateur career.

The Lebanon Raceway contest was the deciding factor for determining the nine drivers who are eligible for the Midwest division final which will be raced at The Meadows on Friday (Oct. 25).

With his second place finish, Hatfield won the points title over Farley. Other drivers whose regional point totals have earned them a berth in the Midwest final include Steve “You’re Never Too” Oldford, “Marvelous Marvin” Raber, “Chicago George” Bonomo, Dave Ehrenberg, Michelle “The Belle” Ruvola, “Tar Heel” Tom Williams and Katy “High Flying” Hawk.