Corbin, KY — The United States Harness Driver’s Club (USHDC) concluded their Sunday festivities at Cumberland Run with Jazmin Arnold pulling off an upset victory in the $12,000 conditioned pace.

Handling the New Zealand bred Cyclone Kiwi N for owner-trainer Adam Short, Arnold had her charge ready to roll when the wings folded, zipping an opening panel in a hot :27.3 from an outside seven post.

Jazmin Arnold guided Cyclone Kiwi N to victory at Cumberland Run on Sunday. Amanda Stephens photo.

After securing the top spot from Spades It Is, driven by Carson Conrad, she caught the others in the field napping and paced to the half in :59.4 before thwarting any threats during a :27.2 third panel with that mark reached in 1:27.1. From there, a fierce battle ensued between Cyclone Kiwi N and Spades It Is with the two hitting the wire together in 1:56.2. After the judges reviewed the photo finish, Cyclone Kiwi N held on by a “whisker.” Frewil Dakota Sven, with Richard Bertrand handling the lines, was third, 2-1/4 lengths away.

In a post-race interview, Arnold said, “Adam (trainer Short) had this horse a few years ago and he did well with him and when he found out he was for sale a couple of months ago he decided to buy him back saying, ‘Kiwi was very good to us so we’ll try and get him really healthy again, and, if not, he’ll have a home in the backyard!’

“When he warmed up, he warmed up really well and Adam said, ‘Do what you think with him. If he wants to roll, let him roll. It’s all up to you!

“To say the least, he was really feeling good behind the gate and raring to go…and here we are in the winner’s circle!”

For the still game 13-year-old warrior, it was his first win of the season in only three starts, with that victory being his 52nd lifetime score — 46 of those in the United States — to send his lifetime bounty to $537,369. Off as the fourth choice in the wagering, Cyclone Kiwi N returned $17.72 to his faithful to win.

Ironically, the 29-year-old Arnold, who drives only sparingly since her introduction to the sulky 10 years ago, has 45 career wins.

Arnold is one of the many members of the USHDC who donate all earnings for driving in these amateur events for charitable distribution with the total donations for the club now well over $300,000.