by John Manzi, for the Billings Series

Monticello, NY — In her first start in this season’s CKG Billings Series last year’s Amateur Driver of the Year, “Hurricane Hannah” Miller earned a trip to the winners circle after she guided Shanghai Jack to a come from behind 1:59.2 trotting victory at Monticello Raceway on Wednesday, April 20.

Sent off as second choice in the seven horse field the talented miss worked out a picture-perfect two-hole journey to defeat the pacesetter, Sing Out and driver Bob “The Headhunter” Hechkoff.

Geri Schwarz photo

Hannah Miller opened the 2016 CKG Billings Series with a victory on Wednesday afternoon at Monticello Raceway.

When the gate sprung, Hechkoff gunned his trotter to the lead and Miller settled in behind him as Sing Out led the field by the first panel in a swift :28.3 seconds. From there Miller played follow the leader as they passed the half in :59 and the leaders were still one-two as they trotted by the three quarters in 1:29.

Miller was content to follow Hechkoff around the final turn but when they straightened for home she eased Shanghai Jack out to challenge and a stretch duel ensued. Under mild urging Shanghai Jack got up in the final strides to collar Sing Out for a neck victory. Third place went to For You Almostfree, driven by “Smokin’ Joe” Faraldo.

“We recently purchased him (Shanghai Jack) and this was the first time that I have driven him,” Hannah said as she handed the lines to the caretaker upon returning to the paddock after her victory. “He stays at his work and he’s such a nice horse to drive.”

A recent purchase by Hannah’s dad, Ervin Miller, Shanghai Jack paid $7.40 for win. For Hannah it was her sixth driving victory thus far in 2016. Last year she won 32 races and now has 47 career wins in just 164 lifetime drives.

Today’s race was the second leg of the Billings Series this year. The first was at Pompano Park on April 16 and both races there were won by Steve “You’re Never Too” Oldford.

Later this month Hannah will join Oldford and “Joltin Joe” Pennacchio, Dein “the Dream” Spriggs, and “Iron Mike” Mitchell when they travel to Naples, Italy to drive against a contingent of Italian amateurs in a Friendship Competition slated for April 29, 30 and May 1.