Seventeen lucky number for rookie driver
May 17, 2006,by Tammy Knox, Publicity Director, Hoosier Park
Seventeen turned out to be a lucky number for rookie driver Stevie Gray Jr. The 25-year-old driver earned his first career victory Wednesday, May 17th with his 17th drive at Hoosier Park this season. Gray Jr. guided Vas Maneist to the wire first over a sloppy track in the evening’s third race.
Jim Linscott
25-year-old driver Stevie Gray Jr earned his first career victory Wednesday, May 17th with his 17th drive at Hoosier Park this season.
“This is something I’ve always wanted to do because it always looked like fun to drive horses,” said Gray. “The only exposure I had to racing was spending the summers with my dad, so I really didn’t start learning about it until I was 18. I didn’t want to push it and just took my time getting my license.”
Starting from post three, Gray Jr. got Vas Maneist away from the gate quickly to secure the top spot. The four-year-old L’Air Du Temps horse never relinquished his position, trotting by all markers first, including the finish line in a time of 2:03.2. The duo completed the mile four and one-half lengths ahead of Little Old Ladywho and Jeff Nisonger for second. Donegal Troubador and Neil Coleman finished third.
Vas Maneist also earned his first career victory in the effort. He is owned by Connie Higdon of Lebanon, Ky. and Julie Gray of Anderson, Ind. R. Steve Gray, Stevie’s father, is the trainer of Vas Maneist.
The victory for Vas Maneist came in his seventh start of 2006. Gray Jr. has guided him in all of his outings for the year.
“This horse is one of my first drives and is my favorite,” said Gray. “They had a rough time getting him qualified the past two years and I was able to get him qualified this spring. Plus, the owner is from my hometown in Kentucky and he wanted me to drive, so it makes it extra special.”