Delaware, OH — Steve Oldford, picking up a catch-drive in the Tim Fouts Memorial at the Delaware, Ohio Fairgrounds, took advantage of the opportunity and won this yearly memorial event with JK’s Champ (IK Endofanera), covering the mile in 1:54.4.
The six-year-old gelding took command from Manny, handled by Todd Whitney, and held that one safe by a neck on the wire.
Salty Robyn N was third for Lee Morris, 3 1/2 lengths away,. While Buck Rogers, driven by Larry Ferrari, was fourth. Big Bad Whamo, driven by John MunGillo, picked up the nickel after overcoming the outside post in the sextet.
Oldford sent his six-year-old gelding off the gate with alacrity from the five post and battled with Manny throughout the opening panel before securing th top spot during a sizzling opening panel over the “Jug” half-mile oval—:26.3.
Once on top, JK’s Champ was unrelenting through fractions of :55.4 and 1:25.2 with Manny bumping the leading driver’s helmet looking for a bit of room to roam…but it didn’t happen as Jk’s Champ WAS the champ this day in 1:54.4
After the race, Oldford said, “I only picked up the catch-drive when the named driver had a health issue and I was asked if I would drive.
“Of course, I said ‘yes’ as I always think of Delaware, Ohio track is one of those hallowed racetracks that has a special meaning to many of us…including our amateur clubs around the U.S.A.
As to the race, itself, that was a bit of a tussle getting to the top and Todd (Whitney) had plenty of horse behind me and wanted me to move over…but my horse went straight to the wire…and the winner’s circle!”
The win was the second of the year for JK’s Champ, trained by Walter Haynes, Jr. for Robert Rodrigues, and sent his lifetime earnings to $213,961—$22,590 this semester.
Oldford went on to say, “This is my fourth win in the Tim Fouts Memorial and this race means a lot to all of us—ME, in particular.
“Just putting a horse’s nose on the gate here is special…just like The Hambletonian at The Meadowlands, The Red Mile, Goshen, you know, these are hallowed tracks and we are so honored to be able to participate at venues like this.
“These are historic tracks and adds so much joy to be a participant as an amateur driver as we donate all of our driving fees for charitable causes.”