from Running Aces Harness Park

Columbus, MN — A large number of drivers and trainers at Running Aces Harness Park pledged all of their five percent commissions on the Tuesday night (August 14) program to a fellow horseman and friend who was injured in a racing accident at the Minnesota five-eighths-mile oval on August 5.

When the dust settled, a total of $3,475 was raised for Adam Hauser, the likeable local driver and blacksmith who will be unable to ply his trade for approximately a month after he severely injured both wrists in the accident that unseated three drivers. Thankfully the other pair involved, Evan Coblentz and Joey Mapes, sustained just minor injuries and were able to continue racing.

Leading driver and trainer Nick Roland had a monster night, winning four races as both a driver and trainer. His total generous pledge to the Adam Hauser Recovery Fund came to $1,750, or about half of the total collected from the 10-race card.

Brandon Jenson also had a very good night, driving and training one winner and getting checks with his other three stable entries on the card. His total contribution to the Hauser Fund was $652.

Others whose pledged commissions were $100 or better were Lemoyne Svendsen, Rocky Stidham and Steve Wiseman. A total of 17 drivers and trainers participated in the fundraising effort.

Roland’s winners included Fiftyonefifty, a 3-year-old Minnesota-sired filly, who stepped out of her state-restricted division to tackle Open mares and conquered the best distaffers in the $9,400 event timed in 1:54.4.

The talented reinsman also scored with Restless Yankee in the $8,200 horse and geldings Open in 1:53.

Roland’s other two victories came behind Hotalulu in an $8,000 event for Minnesota freshman fillies in 1:59.1 and Ronny B Good, winning a $5,000 conditoned event in 1:55.2, fresh off a claim.

Racing resumes at Running Aces at 7 p.m. (CDT) Wednesday night.