Goshen, NY — Harness racing’s greatest traveling roadshow, the CKG Billings Amateur Driving Series, moved to the Cradle of the Trotter on Saturday afternoon (July 6) for this trotting contest and despite the pouring rain the series vice president, Steve “You’re Never Too” Oldford, took advantage of a two-hole trip and rallied Santini to a head victory while holding off a hard-charging Tropical Trice (“Mighty Matt” Zuccarello) in a time of 2:00.2. Third place went to Osprey Vision, driven by Billings newcomer and talented trainer, “ King David” Russo.

Santini and Steve Oldford take the Billings Trot on Saturday afternoon at Goshen. Geri Schwarz photo.

“It was an exciting race and three of us battled all the way to the wire,” said Oldford as he wiped the mud from his face. ”My my horse hung tough and we eked out a victory. But it was close.

”A funny thing about this race is that last year I drove a winner for Dave (Russo).”

A longtime proponent of amateur racing Oldford notched his 154th driving victory, but perhaps more impressive is that he will receive the Hall of Fame Amateur Driver of the Year Award Sunday night (July 7) which will be the sixth time he has received that honor.