by John Manzi, for the C.K.G. Billings Amateur Driving Series

Monticello, NY — An eight-horse trot in the C.K.G. Billings Amateur Driving Series was presented on Monday night (July 8) at Hazel Park Raceway and with his victory behind Beauty Chip, “Richard the Lion-hearted” Roach has taken over the point lead in the Midwest Region.

In that contest, “Serious Joe” Cirasuola and Starlitestarbrite sped for the lead from the pole position and took the field by the quarter in :28.2 at which point Roach kept his mare close to the leader. But at the half Roach allowed Cirasuola to get away by three lengths as the timer flashed :57.4 and they were still three lengths behind as the field trotted by the third stanza in 1:28.

From that point Roach slowly eased Beauty Chip up tight behind Starbritestarlite and at the head of the lane they were just a length behind the leader.

In the stretch, Beauty Chip trotted to the front and then held off Smokin Steven and driver Mike “the Mortgage Man” Mitchell to score a length triumph in a 2:00.1 clocking. Third place went to Miss Tiger Lily, who was driven by “Lightning Larry” Steenbergen.

Owned by Jodi Hammell and trained by Bob Rowland, Beauty Chip scored her third seasonal triumph. She paid $9.80 for win.

It was the second Billings victory for “Richard the Lion-hearted” as he won a contest at Raceway Park earlier this season.

With four contests completed in the Midwest Region thus far, Roach’s 20 points are one better than “Dundee Joe” Miller’s 19. “Trader Bud” Hatfield, “Lawbook Larry” Farley and Steve “You’re Never Too” Oldford, are tied for third, each with 15 points. Kelly “Sky” Walker is sixth with 14 points, followed by Alan “the Intimidator” Schwartz, Dave “Steady As” Yarock, Mike The Mortgage Man” Mitchell and Dave “Yes It’s True” Offenberg, each with 11 points.