Steve Oldford stars in amateur trot on Jug Day

Delaware, Oh – September 21, 2023 – Harness racing driver Steve Oldford has had quite a week in Ohio.

The veteran amateur driver, first, achieved a win on opening day of Little Brown Jug week with his own Muscles For Life (Muscle Mass) as the Spanish-American Friendship competition got under way in Delaware, Ohio.

In a post-race interview after that event, Oldford said, “Yes, he’s 10 (years-old) but he’s got the heart of a lion and he’s only had a couple of starts this year and he’s going to get even better.”

No truer words were ever spoken.

On Little Brown Jug day,, Oldford brought Muscles For Life back for a second helping in the Hall Of Fame and Museum Amateur Racing Series and, after an early tussle in the opening stages in that mile, the 10-year-old was never headed sawing through panels of :27.4, :56.1 and 1:25.2 before coasting home a six length winner in 1:55—his fastest winning performance since December of 2021 and his fastest win ever on a half mile track.

MUSCLES FOR LIFE REPLAY

It was the 45th lifetime win for Muscles For Life and, with his 2-1-0 scorecard in only three starts this year, vaulted his lifetime bounty to $464,207.

“‘Bucky’ (trainer Goldschmidt) does a superior job training him and keeping his healthy and he’s a big reason for the successes.”

Spain was also represented proudly in this event as Vicente Mata, a native of Mahon, Spain, the capital of the Spanish island Menorca, finished second with Baby Yoda.

MJS Wishinforpete, driven by Lukas Harper, was third while Devan Miller, driving Pass The Vape, was next. Alesha Binkley was able to get the “nickel” with Stone Throw Away.

The Spanish-American Friendship competition was a huge success providing always needed camaraderie between countries and Oldford said it is expected to continue and expand further in future competition featuring amateur drivers.

By the way, in the “better for the bettor” department, Muscles For Life paid $5.00 as the favorite among a large crowd in Delaware.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by John Berry, for GLADA