K Ryan Bluechip stellar in Dayton Open

DAYTON, OH. – Although he was hung three-wide through the first quarter before reaching the top in :26.4, K Ryan Bluechip held off all subsequent challenges and persevered to win the harness racing $18,500 Open Pace in 1:51.2 on Saturday (Oct. 21) at Hollywood Dayton Raceway.

The even money favorite, a 5-year-old son of Art Major driven by Dan Noble, held off a hard-charging Whataboy (Chris Page) and Doctor Carter (Mike Micallef) to cop his 11th seasonal victory and 23rd of his career.

Lucky Lime (Kyle Ater), who endured a grueling first-over journey, finished a respectable fourth, while My Buddy Ninkster (Tyler Smith) picked up the fifth and final check in the talented nine-horse field.

The winner's share pushed the Virgil Morgan Jr. trainees lifetime bounty over the $300,000 plateau. K Ryan Bluechip is owned by Carl Howard, Bruce and Trish Soulsby, and Alan Weisenberg.

Photo; The family of World War II veteran Leonard Shaffner surprised the lifelong horse racing fan with a 97th birthday party at Hollywood Dayton Raceway on Saturday night (Oct. 21).  Starter Mike Woebkenberg invited Mr. Shaffner to ride with him in the mobile gate during the 7^th race and then the Dayton driver’s colony further surprised the spry war veteran with a spontaneous patriotic greeting near the winner’s circle after his ride. 

Gregg Keidel