Judge Bob upsets in Ocean finale

BERLIN, Md. — Dismissed at 7-1, Judge Bob (Great George Two) held steadfast under two separate harness racing challenges to his lead and narrowly prevailed in Thursday’s (Sept. 5) featured $10,000 Preferred Handicap Trot at Ocean Downs.

Jonathan Roberts controlled the terms early with the 9-year-old Great George Two gelding, seating 2-5 favorite Coventry Hall in the pocket and setting splits of :28.3 and :58 through the first lap. On the backstretch, Judge Bob faced a stern first-over threat from K J Todd, and, after repelling him on the final turn, staved off a second challenger in Miracle De Vie, who emerged from midfield and came up a half length short of Judge Bob’s 1:56.4 winning mile.

Coventry Hall finished a one-paced third from the pocket.

Trainer Megan Roberts shares ownership of Judge Bob, who paid $17.80 to win, with Graham Grace Stables.

Jonathan Roberts led all drivers on the closing-night card with three wins; Corey Braden and Jason Thompson scored doubles. Trainers Michael Hall and Stacey McLenaghan accounted for two winners apiece.

Ahle, Hall win 2024 Ocean titles

Johnathan Ahle captured the 2024 Ocean Downs driving title on the power of 94 wins from 319 starts, good for a sparkling 29.5% win rate. He drove the winners of $655,008 in purses. Trae Porter, who edged Ahle in the earnings category with $670,539, finished second with 82 wins, while William Carter (54), Russell Foster (50) and Jonathan Roberts (49) rounded out the top five.

On the training side of the ledger, Michael Hall took top honors with 50 wins and $361,185 in purses earned from 139 starts, good for a strike rate of 36%. John Wagner, who was the highest-earning trainer at the meet with $592,073, finished second in the win column with 38, followed by Darren Ferrell in third, with 19. Kevin Lare, Stacey McLenaghan and Rick Still tied for fourth, with 13 wins apiece.

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

From Ocean Downs