Oak Grove, KY — The Legend Hanover returned to the racing wars on Monday (May 19) and took top honors in the United States Harness Driving Club feature at Oak Grove Racing and Gaming.
Returning from a six month vacation, the 7-year-old gelded son of Somebeachsomewhere scored in 1:54, surviving what seemed to be suicidal fractions of :26 and :54.2 before re-assuming command on the backside and striding away in the lane to score by 2-1/2 lengths as the 3-2 ($5.18) post-time favorite.
Dein Spriggs was in the sulky for the win — his first of the year — with the 32-1 shot Hold My Drink, driven by Travis Williams Jr., second. Anna Marina Delray, overcoming the second tier nine post, finished third for Cassidy Whitton.
At the outset, an early skirmish quickly developed as The Legend Hanover, leaving from post three, and Hold My Drink, post five, threw the heavy punches leading to that sizzling opener before Spriggs allowed the Junior Wiliams on by to enjoy the garden spot.
On the backside, Spriggs asked The Legend Hanover and the classy gelding answered, brushing to take charge past the third station in 1:24 before coasting home.
In a post race interview, Spriggs said, “I had never driven this horse before and Jamaal (trainer Denson) said that he had been given time off to ‘freshen up’ and that he does have some speed off the wings.
“He had qualified well and proved he was ready coming in so I drove him with confidence.”
In the winner’s circle, USHDC President Spriggs met representatives from the Volunteer Equine Advocates for yet another contribution — something the Club has been doing for over a quarter century.
Spriggs said, “This great organization solely survives on charitable donations and it’s an honor for us to be able to further their mission of protecting the welfare of horses.”
VEA’s Kelsie Rast, Executive Director, echoed Spriggs’ comments, saying, “This donation means so much to us as we are dedicated to providing a safe haven for equines in need.
“We assist law enforcement in cases of animal cruelty and provide professional career for abused, neglected and abandoned horses. This enables us to continue our work.
“One other thing, sometimes, when a horse cannot be rehabilitated, they remain with us in our ‘Care for Line’ program.”
Donations are always needed and appreciated via their website — veatn.org.
Spriggs concluded the festivities saying, “Cara Collins is just an amazing host to our guests and takes our sport to great heights when it comes to our guests and our surrounding communities.”