Oak Grove, KY — Harness racing continued at Oak Grove Racing and Gaming on Monday (June 3) with Paperback Thriller ($5.44) and Splinter N ($10.44) reaching the winner’s circle in United States Harness Drivers Club action.

But the biggest winner of the afternoon was Redemption Ranch as the USHDC presented that worthy charitable organization with a $1,000 donation to continue their heroic work on behalf of those going through difficult times in their lives.

Family members of Redemption Ranch were in the Oak Grove winner’s circle to receive a donation for their grand work in helping those in need. Mark Herron photo.

As USHDC President Dein Spriggs said, “This great (501-C3) organization provides such vital work in providing a safe, peaceful environment to those in need and, to compliment this journey for so many in need, it’s done in a fun and encouraging atmosphere, so important in today’s changing world. We felt that their work is so worthy of note that we unanimously decided to repeat the contribution of last season.”

Redemption Ranch is just one of many organizations aided by the club and its members’ generosity in donating all earnings from these USHDC events, which are earmarked for charitable distribution, to date that being over $320,000.

On the racing side of the ledger, Paperback Thriller (Mystery Chase) was given an attentive drive by Peter Kleinhans to hold gamely when it counted to score a photo finish win in 1:55.4, the winning margin being a head over the swift closing Pictonian Thunder, driven by Carson Conrad. Danza finished third with John Mungillo in the bike.

Leaving from post six, Kleinhans went looking for a spot up close and found one in fourth, back of Ayr Pioneer GB, who zipped off the wings and opened up a daylight lead at the first panel in a hot :27.1 with the 83-1 longshot Swiss Bank Hanover second and Danza next. Sensing a breather in the second quarter, Kleinhans sent Paperback Thriller brushing forward and reached alongside the leader halfway through the mile in :57.

That’s when things really started to sizzle as Paperback Thriller put the squeeze on Ayr Pioneer GB and took charge at the third station in 1:25.3. Turning for home, Paperback Thriller owned a length lead but Pictorian Thunder found room to roam and these two hit the wire together.

After the race, Kleinhans admitted, “I didn’t think I won and went on my way, only to find out that I did win. The mare did race a game mile, though, no question there.”

For the 9-year-old mare Paperback Thriller, it was her third win in 14 starts this semester, pushing her seasonal earnings to $21,320 and $282,670 lifetime.

In the second USHDC event, Jafari Frazier gave the 12-year-old veteran gelding Sprinter N a heads-up drive in holding off a spirited White Belly, driven by Trey Brinson, by a half-length. Secret Threat, with Carson in the bike, came from well back early to finish third.

In that event, Frazier sent Sprinter N right to the top from the inside post, yielded briefly to White Belly, then quickly reclaimed command. He got a :29.3 breather in the second panel, stepped on the gas to thwart a challenge during the third panel with that :28.3 closing kick enough to get to the winner’s circle.

The winner, also trained by Brinson for owner Elson Miller, sent his 2024 scorecard to 6-1-3 in 15 starts, good for $49,370 and $609,777 lifetime, $390,645 earned here in the USA after his arrival in 2018. The win was number 56 lifetime for the gallant gelding.

One other note about the event: fifth place finisher Zyler Maxwell, having celebrated his 18th birthday just a few days ago, is the newest member of the USHDC after a three year “internship” on the fair circuit where he compiled an impressive resume with 24 wins in just 85 starts with last year’s UDR at .531.

As USHDC President Spriggs said, “It’s great to welcome the young men and women into our club to carry the torch for our great sport.”