by Patricia Miller, for GLADA

Hazel Park, MI — A beautiful Michigan summer night under a full rising moon was topped by the excitement of a big win for Mark Jones and his mare Classic Spur in Monday’s (August 15) GLADA race at Hazel Park.

Drawing the unlucky outside nine hole was no problem for Jones and Classic Spur as they raced the 1-1/4 mile distance in style and the dynamic duo trotted home for the win in 2:32.3. Steve Oldford drove Travlin Butch up for second place and Jim Ingersoll raced his own Caballo Diablo home for the show dough.

Miss Tiger Lily decided to take the night off, but the other eight trotters were primed and ready to roll as the starter yelled go and the gate folded. Dashing out smartly for the lead from the six hole was Tazer, driven by Wayne Carter, and he held the lead with ease until the top of the stretch where the action began in earnest.

The quarter time of :29.4 showed fine rating for the long race and the field breezed to the half in :59.2. Around the fourth and final turn, drivers and their horses stepped it up and began a thrilling stretch drive in front of the cheering fans. Smokin Steven tried for a big finish in a nose to nose battle with Tazer at the top of the stretch as Classic Spur and Travlin Butch fought it out side by side down the stretch. The tiring Tazer and Smokin Steven dropped back as Classic Spur and Travlin Butch raced on followed by Caballo Diablo and Ingersoll, who surged up from sixth to third as the wire gleamed ahead.

Well driven and well rated, the extended race proved fun and highly competitive as usual. Jones was very proud of his mare and she “did him proud” for sure. Driving skills have improved all season and were on display in this long and tiring, but exciting race.