Ocean Downs remembers Harold “Bucky” Gray Jr.

BERLIN, Md. — A large number of harness racing horsepeople gathered Sunday (July 21) in the Ocean Downs winner’s circle to remember the life of trainer-driver Harold “Bucky” Gray Jr., who passed May 26 — the opening day of the 2024 Ocean meeting — at the age of 56.

Gray, who resided in Bishopville, Md., and won 708 races as a driver and 107 as a trainer, was honored Sunday with a $6,500 conditioned pace, which Derrick Guertin’s Ibite Ask Doug won in 1:56.3 in line to Trae Porter. Gray will also be memorialized in Tuesday’s (July 23) featured event at Ocean Downs, the $14,600 final of the Bucky Gray Jr. Memorial late-closing series, for 2-year-old pacers.

Sunday’s $12,000 Open 1 Handicap Pace saw Lyons Stealth (Sweet Lou) sustain a first-over push out of fourth to collar and overpower pacesetter Fantastic Voyage by 1-3/4 lengths in a career best-equaling 1:51.2. William Carter drove the 4-year-old gelding, who paid $9.00 to win, to his 11th career victory for trainer Darren Olsen and owner Cole Olsen.

In the sub-featured $10,000 Open 2 Pace, Walden Woods (Betting Line) won his third consecutive race by wiring his seven rivals and posting a three-length, 1:54.1 score over the late-rallying Panther’s Pinot. Hugh O’Neil drove the 6-year-old gelding, who paid $4.20 to win, for owner-trainer Samuel Young.

Live racing at Ocean Downs resumes Tuesday with a 12-race card due to commence at 7:05 p.m.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting Results

From Ocean Downs Media