by John Manzi, for the Delvin Miller Harness Drivers Association

Monticello, NY — The annual trip to the Canadian Maritimes this past weekend was again an enjoyable excursion for the eight hardy members of the C.K.G. Billings Harness Driving Championship Series who winged their way north of the border to drive at Charlottetown Driving Park and at Summerside Raceway. But arguably the most fun was had by Dein “The Jupiter Gem” Spriggs when he drove the winners in each of the two pacing contests on Prince Edward Island.

Dein Spriggs won both of the Billings races this past weekend.

At Charlottetown Driving Park on Saturday, July 10, Spriggs was not only lucky enough to draw the race favorite, Jazzmo, but in the lottery process his mount also drew the pole position. Spriggs, a former two-time national Amateur Driver of the Year, displayed the talent that led to that distinction when he guided the 4-year-old Dream Away gelding to a one length victory over Smart Barney, who was handled by another national Amateur Driver of the Year, “Tar Heel Tom” Williams. Third place in that contest went to The Tominator with Kelly “Sky” Walker at the controls.

However, after all the hoopla of that day and the fun with their hosts in the evening, the next day the group traveled the short distance to Summerside, P.E.I., for a pacing contest at Summerside Raceway. And as luck would have it for Spriggs, he again drew the race favorite but this time he had to leave from post position three.

Still, the three-hole posed no problem for the Florida Real Estate Developer, because he sent his charge, Sassy Little Shark, to the lead as the wings of the mobile starting gate folded and after one quarter of the way home they had a two length lead. And from there they made every pole a winning one en route to a 2:01.2, neck triumph although they had to rebuff a late rally from Picture It, who was handled by Dave “Linemaster” Ehrenberg. “Racin’ Jason” Sgrignuoli took home the show dough with Bettorpayattention in that event.

Next Billings action in the Eastern Region will be at Monticello Raceway on Sunday, July 18, and the following day there will be Billings action in the Midwest Region at the Fowlerville, Michigan Fair.