Oak Grove, KY – The United States Harness Driving Club (USHDC) held a special event at Oak Grove Racing and Gaming on Monday (June 30) honoring the Christian County 4-H Club with White Belly accomplishing a rare “last-to-first” victory for owner-trainer-driver Cassidy Whitton.
The 8-year-old gelded son of Sweet Lou overcame the outside post (eight) in the two-tiered nine-horse race and blasted home in :28.2 to romp home a five-length winner in 1:55.2.
With some confusion on the backstretch during the final three-eighths of the mile, there were placings in the top-four order of finish with Buck Art moved up a notch to second after cutting the mustard and originally finishing third for Jim “Trey” Brinson.
April’s Big Guy, shuffled and bothered approaching the third station, rallied gamely for Laderick Huggins and was also moved up a spot to third while Dakota Jack, second across the wire for Zyler Maxwell, was placed fourth.
Ayr Pioneer GB, starting from the second tier, made a mild bid around the final bend and eventually picked up the nickel for Dein Spriggs.
It was Buck Art carving up the early panels of :27.1 and :56.4 while keeping Fateful Duel and Roy Marohn on the outside looking in with Ayr Pioneer GB finding room to challenge at the third station in 1:26.2.
Meanwhile, White Belly, dead last through the first half speed duel, made a “double bubble” binge on the backside, followed some live cover and was in control once they straightened away for the wire.
For the winner, it was his initial victory of the year in seven starts – 17th success lifetime – vaulting his career earnings to $211,323.
In winner’s circle festivities following, the USHDC honored the work of the Christian County 4-H Club, part of the University of Kentucky and Kentucky State University information network, for their important work in youth development, agricultural and natural resources, horticulture and community and economic development.
In a post-race interview, spokesperson Katie Mills related, “There aren’t sufficient words to explain the worth of the amateur club’s contribution as it enables us to continue our important work for our community and beyond.”
USHDC President Dein Spriggs said, “This 4-H Club plays a significant role in youth development, families and communities while fostering lifelong use of natural resources.
“It is an honor for us to donate to very important contributions to society.”
White Belly rewarded his faithful with a $2 mutuel ticket worth $17.68.