Corbin, KY — Racing Secretary Kevin Mack put together a stakes packed 10 race program on Sunday (October 15) as Cumberland Run, Kentucky’s newest harness racing track, made its debut and Mack made sure that the United States Harness Driving Club was part of the opening day festivities.

With a pair of USHDC events on the program, Club President Dein Spriggs and Lauren Harmon were victorious on this historic opening day with Spriggs scoring with his own Ayr Pioneer GB (Soulofthematter) while Lauren Harmon reached the winner’s circle with Poof Daddy (Woodstock).

The Spriggs win was not without its “moments” as his eight-year-old Great Britain warrior just did poke its nose in front right on the wire to score in 1:55.4 to eke out the win over Gottalovemyshadow, handled by Jafari Frazer with the pacesetter, Spades It Is, third for Carson Conrad. Howtotrainurdragon, teamed up with Tony Finger to be fourth and Indiana Cam, with cost Mc Quinn in the sulky, next.

But up went the inquiry sign and, after the judges review, there were several placings with Gottalovemyshadow placed sixth and the aforementioned trio, respectively, each moving up a notch, as was Lil Joe III, elevated up to take the nickel after suffering interference after reaching the third station.

Now trained by Tony Dinges for Spriggs, Ayr Pioneer GB has been in the U.S.A. less than a year and came here from Great Britain with $17,661 in lifetime earnings after five seasons.

This year, his scorecard reads 9-7-2 in 28 starts with $55,400 in bounty to go along with a Red Mile mark of 1:52.3.

Despite drawing the rail, Ayr Pioneer was fourth choice in the betting and paid $19.34 to win.

The eight-year-old gelding Poof Daddy got picture perfect handling from Lauren Harmon from post four, darting out for the lead, yielding at the :28.2 opener, sitting in the pocket through fractions of :58.1 and out again as the field reached the third beam in 1:26.4

From there, the lead widened to the wire, which was 5 1/2 lengths (1:56.3) over Merito Hanover, driven by Tony Dinges. Timetoplaythegame was third for Carson Conrad with Western Tyrant overcoming the outside post for Marvin Luna to finish fourth. The early leader, Mr. Nuttin Nice, picked up the final award for Jafari Frazier.

The win was the second of the year for Poof Daddy sending his bounty to $26,555 and $136,751 in this milestone 150th career start.

Poof Daddy is trained by Krista Harmon, who co-owns with Rylee Harmon.

Off at 7 to 5, he paid $4.80 to a multitude of faithful.

In a post race interview, USHDC President Spriggs lamented, “It’s always nice to win but, more important, was the welcome our Club got and the track was absolutely perfect and this was, truly, a memorable day and we were very proud to be a part of it.”