GLADA Trot taken by Daniel Jones

Northfield, Ohio–Although they were challenged every step of the mile, harness racing amateur driver Daniel Jones and The Next Triumph proved superior and hung on for a head victory in 1:57.2 to win the $9,200 Great Lakes Amateur Drivers Association trot on Sunday night (Jan. 9) at MGM Northfield Park.

When the starter turned the field loose Darrell Rideout sent My Indiana for the lead from the five-hole but that’s exactly where Jones and The Next Triumph were headed and since they had inside position My Indiana was relegated to being parked out. Still the two trotters battled head- to- head by a steppy :27.3 first quarter. And they were still heads apart by the half in :56.4.

When the field headed to the three quarters, My Indiana was all done, and The Next Triumph opened a two-length lead as he zipped by the third stanza in 1:26.3. But trouble was coming as Don Sherman, who was traveling along the pylons, rushed Dynamic Edge up to challenge for the lead.

However, The Next Triumph was still in command when they headed for home. Understandably, Daniel Jones’ trotter was tiring but he reached down for more and was able to hold on for a head victory over Dynamic Edge in 1:57.2. Emerald Chip (Lauren Harmon) finished third, 5-1/2 lengths behind the winner.

The Next Triumph, a 9-year-old altered son of Triumphant Caviar, is co-owned by Ron Steck and Robert Smolko and trained by Steck. He paid $8.60 for win.