Oak Grove, KY – The United States Harness Drivers Club (USHDC) made their inaugural 2026 charitable presentation at Oak Grove Racing and Gaming on March 30 with the beneficiary being Sanctuary, Inc. on March 30.
The Hopkinsville, KY based Sanctuary, Inc., now in its 45th year of offering hope and healing to those that have suffered assault and domestic violence, among other travesties, is just one of several charitable beneficiaries that will benefit from the generosity of the USHDC during the Oak Grove meet, which continues through mid-July.
A large contingency from Sanctuary, Inc. was on hand for the award presentation, which included guests enjoying rides in the starting gate and a visit to the announcer’s booth.
“Our Amateur Club has been rewarding worthwhile charitable organizations for about 30 years now and it is an honor for us, through the generosity of our members, to continue to recognize the necessity to help those in dire need because of these unforeseen circumstances and, at the same time showcase what harness racing can do for local communities and far beyond,” said USHDC President Dein Spriggs.
Heather Lancaster, a spokesperson for Sanctuary, Inc., summed it up by saying, “This (amateur) club is so valuable to the community to help bring to light the situations that can disrupt lives and we appreciate the donation and their bringing these problems to light.
“Great for us…great for harness racing.
“Thank you to the Amateur Club and Oak Grove for hosting us.”
by John Berry, for the USHDC
Photo Captions:: Little Bit Tuff (1) took top honors in the USHDC opener at Oak Grove Racing and Gaming for driver Cassidy Whitton in 1:66.5. The event honored the work of Sanctuary, Inc. (see story).
Jk’s Shining Star (9), with Adarryl Gates, Jr, in the sulky, overcame the outside post at Oak Grove Racing and Gaming to score in the co-featured USHDC pace in 1:56.3.
Representatives from Sanctuary, Inc. were on hand in the Oak Grove Racing and Gaming winner’s circle as the USHDC kicked off their 2026 season with a donation to assist in their longtime community services.