by Jim Whittemore, publicity director, Ocean Downs

Berlin, MD — Ray Robinson, Jr.’s nickname is “Shorty,” but after the first two nights of harness racing at Ocean Downs, Robinson has come up big with five total wins. On opening night on Saturday, he posted a driving triple. On Sunday (June 17) Shorty notched a driving double.

Robinson was the Ocean Oval’s driving champion three consecutive years from 1999 through 2001, then finished second four straight years from 2002 through 2005. He finished third last year behind the Harness Tracks of America’s Driver of the Year Tony Morgan and W. David Hill III.

His wins on Sunday came behind 6-year-old gelding Bold Xample, trained by Roland Hall (1:57.4), and 8-year-old veteran Catch The Heat (1:56.4), trained by his wife, Carolyn, with help from their children.

“They’re telling me what to do right when I do right and of course when I do wrong as well,” Robinson said with a chuckle. “We’re here to have fun. We’re home,” referring to his home only a few minutes from the track.

Robinson and his wife and family maintain a stable of four horses this year, after last year training only two.

Driver/trainer George Banks also posted a driving double on Sunday night. Banks trains and drives 9-year-old Mo Funner, which won an opening race trot. Wallaby Darned paced to a 1:57.2 win for Banks in the night’s third race (9-1, $20.00 to win).

The fastest mile of the night and the meet so far (1:56.3) was posted by 6-year-old Topville Muscleman, who was led to victory by driver W. David Hill III for trainer Winston Williams ($22.20 to win).

Racing resumes Wednesday night (June 20) with a 7:35 p.m. first post. Live racing continues on a Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday format through August 25. Admission and parking are free at the Ocean Oval, just five miles west of Ocean City, Maryland. For further information, call (410) 641-0600.