USHDC finishes season with $1,500 donation to Cumberland Community Backpack Program

Corbin, Kentucky,..November 5, 2023…The United States Harness Driver’s Club (USHDC) wrapped up their 2023 harness racing season at Cumberland Run with the big winners on the day ultimately being many thousands of children as the Club made a large donation to the Cumberland Community Backpack Program, assuring children in need get proper nourishment.

In a recent school year, over 19,000 sacks of food were placed in backpacks of kids in need with that number sure to increase as more volunteers become involved in the program.

Doris Moore was on hand representing the Backpack Program and drivers David Miller and Atlee Bender joined Dein Spriggs, Cumberland Run’s Henry Graffeo  and Mayor Suzy Razmus for the presentation, as well.

About the donation, Miller said, “I have found this program to be so valuable to the children in need.

“Many would be destined to have little or no food from the time they leave school on Friday to Monday morning so this is really a lifesaver for these children.

“I am so happy to participate in this event.”

Spriggs echoed Miller’s sentiment saying, “It’s days like this that make our Club’s efforts so worthwhile. We’re looking forward to coming back next season to help keep the momentum for this organization moving forward.”

As for the USHDC racing, Spriggs and Jafari Frazier shared the limelight—each winning their respective events.

Frazier kicked things off by winning the $14,000 conditioned event with Ayr Pioneer GB (Soukofthematter), a new arrival in trainer Robert Lagoon’s stable after claiming the English bred eight-year-old gelding pacer just last week.

Off at 20 to 1 on the tote board, Apr Pioneer GB was relaxed near the end of the pack during hot fractions of :27,2 and :55.4 before wending his way into contention beginning at the third station (1:25) and used a late burst home in :29.4 to score by a half-length in 1:55.2 over Dontholdanythinbak, handled by Tony Dinges. Mach Diesel was third for Jill Brown while Mystery Dragon, with Dein Spriggs in the bike, next. The pacesetting Spades It Is, driven by Carson Conrad, picked up the nickel in this sextet.

Now owned by trainer Laffoon along with April Roach, Ayr Pioneer GB earned his 10th win of the year, vaulting his 2023 bankroll to $65,400. He rewarded his faithful with a $43.32 mutuel.

Spriggs won the finale after giving Woody Two (Woodstock) a picture-perfect drive, snuggling up to the leading Frewil Dakota Sean, handled by Richard Bertrand, through panels of :28, :58.4 and 1:26.4 before squeaking by in the final stride to score by a nose.in 1:57.

Sports Teller, driven by Carson Conrad, was next followed by Autotune Hanover, with Gary Campbell handling the lines. Luvnmysharkaway picked up the nickel for Donricus Blackmon.

Trained by Gary Campbell (yes, he had two in there) for Miranda Biggs, Woody Two earned his first victory of the year in 19 starts, sending his earnings for the season to $15,428.

Third choice in the betting, Woody Two paid $15.82 on the win end.

Ironically, Spriggs won the very first USHDC event off the season at Cumberland Run and completed the “bookend” accomplishment in the final Amateur event held this season.

The USHDC members donate all of their driving earnings in amateur races to the club for charitable distribution and, thus far, have donated well over $300,000 since their inception.

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

by John Berry, for the USHDC