by Patricia Miller, for GLADA

Hazel Park, MI — Veteran trainer and amateur driver Mark Jones triumphed in the first GLADA race of the season on Monday (May 9) at Hazel Park.

Jones urged his Classic Spur trotter down the stretch in close companionship to GLADA president Steve Oldford with Smokin Steven, his aptly named catch drive for the night. All in all, a great start for the amateur driving club’s summer debut.

At Jones’ urging, Classic Spur ripped away to grab the lead on the rail at the quarter, with Smokin Steven right behind him. Miss Tiger Lily, driven by Mike Mitchell, was close behind them in company with Starry Lady, piloted by GLADA veteran Jim Ingersoll. Kara Sue Buxton drove on with her horse Donker Marie and betting favorite and last year’s champion Joe Cirasuola urged his horse LF Sharp up the outside flow. Heart Attach driven by Al McCardell and Asti Asti with Mike Golden rushed on in full view of Mad Madam Mim and Matt Nichols who could see them all.

Classic Spur set the quarter time of :29.3 and the action turned exciting as LF Sharp roared up the outside to second with Smokin Steven back to third. Buxton pulled Donker Marie and urged her up the outside in hot pursuit of the leaders.

But Classic Spur passed the half at :59.3 and raced on to a three-quarter mark of 1:30.1 where the competition with Smokin Steven took a bad turn. As the two leaders came around toward home, Oldford ran a wheel up on Jones’ sulky and one tire was gone.

Classic Spur continued his stretch push, flat tire and all, with Smokin Steven alongside and Miss Tiger Lily snapping at their heels. As they flashed across the line, it appeared that Oldford had seized victory but after a judge’s inquiry, Classic Spur was placed first with Smokin Steven second.

An exciting race that finished in 2:01.3 goes in the books and nine more amateurs will challenge their horses and driving skills in next week’s contest. Jones gets the win points for this one and starts off the amateur season with a bang.