Fair racing in full swing in Iowa

Fair racing is in full swing in Iowa, with new drivers gaining their first lifetime harness racing wins.

At Monticello on Thursday (7/20), Kolton Hauser was given the assignment to drive Minnie Vinnie in race two, featuring three-year-old and older Iowa-Registered pacers.

At the start of the race, Hauser and Minnie Vinnie pushed the gate out of the way, quickly taking the front from the three-hole.  But Overtheedgeofhonor (Royal Roland) was not ready to settle into the pocket, charging on ahead to grab the lead as they reached the quarter pole.

Setting the pace, Overtheedgeofhonor led the field to the half.  Racing to the three-quarters, Red N Hotallover (James Gould) made a move on the outside, nose to nose with Minnie Vinnie, both racing in second.  But Hauser had other plans, maneuvering Minnie Vinnie to take a shot at the leader.

As they rounded the final turn, Minnie Vinnie was full of pace.  Taking over the lead, Minnie Vinnie was in complete command, pacing across the finish line in 1:58.3, for his third win this season and Hauser’s first lifetime driving victory.

In the finale for three-year-old trotters, Clayton Miller got the drive on Weekend At Bernies, who drew post-position three.  As the gate folded, Miller and Weekend At Bernies floated out to take the lead as My Kid (Adam Hauser) settled into second.

Racing to the half, Weekend At Bernies still held the lead with My Kid on his heels.  Pulling to the outside, My Kid raced up to challenge the leader, both horses trotting in tandem as they passed the three-quarter-pole.  But Weekend At Bernies still had gas in the tank and poured it on as they reached the top of the stretch.

Pulling away from the competition, Weekend At Bernies took the win, trotting for a new lifetime mark of 2:08.1 and Miller’s first lifetime driving win.

Racing resumes on Sunday (7/23) at Kahoka, MO.  Post time is 12:30 pm CST.

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

by Tara Spach, for the IaHHA