by John Manzi, for the Delvin Miller Amateur Drivers Association

Monticello, NY — After guiding Kris’s Legacy to a 2:01.2, gate-to-wire victory in a Billings Trot division at Yonkers Raceway on July 27, Dave “Steady As” Yarock vaulted back into the point lead in the series’ Eastern Region, displacing Bob “the Rapid Rail” Krivelin, who was idle in Billings action this weekend.

Also that night, 18-year-old Billings newcomer “On Your Mark” Eaton scored his second Billings triumph in just five outings when he and Famous Image trotted a 2:00.3, three length victory in the second split at Yonkers Raceway.

The following evening in Midwest Regional action at the Summit County Fair at Northfield Park, Bob “Lumberman” Troyer registered his first Billings victory of the year, reining his own Witch’s Magic Brew home first in a time of 2:01.1 the Midwest Region.

Yarock, Monticello-Goshen Chapter USHWA’s amateur driver of the year last season, continued his quest for leadership in the Billings Eastern Region and continues to show an immense adoration for the amateur driving sport. En route to his victory with Kris’s Legacy, Yarock turned back Cuzzin Rob and driver Mark “Down To Business” Schullstrom with REL Postage Due and Simeon “Hot Rod” Hunsdon taking home the show dough.

A recent devotee, Yarock, a financial planner by trade, now has won 36 races since joining the amateur ranks in 2008.

Young Mark Eaton, son of New England horseman Mike Eaton, continues to impress after his easy triumph with Famous Image. Howmac’s Amigo and fellow Mainer Philip “Bo” Sowers finished second and Sam’s Honeybee, with Billings president Tony “the Capo” Verruso in the pilot’s seat, finished third.

In the Midwest Region, Bob Troyer followed the lead set by Mr Taurus and former National Amateur Driver of the Year “Trader Bud” Hatfield, until the two headed for home where Troyer asked more of his trotter and Witch’s Magic Brew responded as they trotted to a solid one length triumph. Five lengths behind the leaders, third place went to Spit Happens, driven by Michelle “the Belle” Ruvola after she hustled her trotter past Cabo Blue, driven by her dad, “Chicago George” Bonomo.

Billings action continues on Thursday (August 2) with the Hambletonian Amateur Trots at the Meadowlands.