Corbin, KY — The United States Harness Driving Club (USHDC) paid tribute to the Corbin Community Backpack Program on Sunday (Oct. 19), at Kentucky’s Cumberland Run and it was the eight-year-old son of Somebeacjsomewhere, Mankato, handled by Adarryl Gates, winning in 1:56.2.
Surviving a trip “outside looking in” the final five-eighths-of-a-mile, Mankat reeled in Sir Lloyd, driven by Matthew Wilson, to score by 1-3/4 lengths with Jm’s Determination another neck back in third for Jacquavyian Carter.
Ayr Pioneer GB, handled by USHDC President Dein Spriggs and prominent much of the way, was another neck back in fourth. Jimstrikesitrich, with Julie Miller in the bike, picked up the nickel.
It was a scramble off the wings as Ayr Pioneer GB left with alacrity and put up a :27.3 number at the quarter with Jim Strikeitrich outside and Sir Lloyd third and Mankat away kindly in fourth.
When things settled down a bit, Sir Lloyd found some room and went forward looking for the top spot with Mankat following the live cover.
Sir Lloyd did find the top spot outside at the :57.1 half with Mankat now giving chase and these two hooked up in a duel as the pace quickened during a :28.1 third panel—with three-quarters timed in 1:25.2.
At this stage and around the final bend, Mankat looked the leader in the eye, stuck his head in front turning for home and drew clear near the wire.
In a post race interview, the 24-year-old Gates lamented, “He raced real tough today, that’s for sure. I was hope the live cover for me would take him a bit farther but it didn’t and my horse responded really well when I asked him.
For Mankat, it was his fourth win of the year in 30 starts, vaulting his bounty to $36,937 this semester and $269,378 lifetime.
Gates, meanwhile, got his 10th win of the year in 39 starts, lifting his “batting average” for 2025 to a lofty .369.
After the race, a presentation was made by The USHDC and The Mint Gaming Hall in support of the Corbin Community Backpack Program, a program designed to ensure that no child in need in area schools will go without weekend food.
The Mint’s Shannon Taylor lamented, “It’s really wonderful that we are able to team up with the amateur club for such worthy causes that help our community to no end. We. truly, appreciate their presence here at Cumberland Run.”
USHDC President Dein Spriggs added, “Our driving club has been involved in donating to those in need for over 25 years and we find this particular program to be so valuable for so many in the Corbin community. It’s an honor for our club to be able to participate in this endeavor.
“Our thanks go to Race Secretary Kevin Mack and The Mint’s Shannon Taylor to make all of this possible.”