Richard “The Wolverine” Roach cops Red Mile Billings Trot
September 27, 2018,by John Manzi, for the C.K.G. Billings Series
Lexington, KY — There’s an old adage in harness racing which states, “If you have the best horse in the race, send him to the lead. And if he gets beat on the front end, he wasn’t the best.”
At The Red Mile early Thursday evening (Sept. 27), Richard “The Wolverine” Roach, tested that theory in a Billings Trot, and although that concept isn’t foolproof, it worked tonight. Sent off as the even-money favorite, Roach sent Fairground Drama to the lead from post two, and then made every pole a winning one en route to a 1-1/2 length triumph in 1:58.2.
When the starter said go, Fairground Drama got the first call at the quarter pole in :29.2, with second choice Kaffir Kemp and driver Steve “You’re Never Too” Oldford tight on Roach’s back.
From there, they raced one-two past the halfway point in :58.1 and by the three quarters in 1:28 over a track rated good from previous rain. At the wire, Fairground Drama was 1-1/2 lengths better than Kaffir Kemp. Rose Run Princess and R. “Cubbie” Van Wagoner took home the show dough.
Fairground Drama, a 7-year-old Groton Hall mare is owned and trained by Peggy Grant. She paid $4.00. It was Roach’s 138th driving victory and third this season.