Dayton, Ohio – Harness racing driver Tyler Smith stole the show on Friday (Oct.14) at Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway.
Not only did the 29-year-old win four, but his sweetest victory came aboard one his father, Jeff, trains. The father-son duo teamed up to upset the $24,000 Fillies and Mares Open Pace with 11-1 Penpaperpaige (Pet Rock).
Protecting position, Penpaperpaige rocketed off the gate to ultimately settle into a pocket trip. The 5-year-old mare by Pet Rock sat patiently along the rail while the field reached the opening quarter in :26.4. After relief from the :56.2 half, Penpaperpaige was flushed from cover heading into the final turn. Despite reaching the three-quarters pole in 1:23.1, the mare cruised across the finish line with ease in 1:51.1.
Velocity Lady (Brady Galliers) was second with 1-9 favorite Grace Hill (Tony Hall) finishing third.
PENPAPERPAIGE REPLAY
The victory marked the eighteenth lifetime win for Penpaperpaige. As a staple contender on any southern Ohio racetrack, the mare has banked more than $530,000 in her career. Jeff Smith conditions Penpaperpaige for owner-breeder Shirley LeVin.
Live racing will resume Saturday (Oct. 15) at Dayton Raceway. First post of the 14-race card is 4:00PM.
For more information on the facility and live racing season, visit here.
For complete race results, click here.
by Ashley Dailey, for the OHHA