Miami Valley kicks off 10th season

LEBANON, OH. – The first of 87 live programs, comprising the tenth season of harness racing at Miami Valley Raceway in southwest Ohio, was greeted with great anticipation and enthusiasm on Monday afternoon (Jan. 2).

A total of 11 drivers and 13 trainers reached the winner’s circle during the 14-race card on an unseasonably warm day with temperatures in the fifties.

Trainer Billy Farmer notched the lone training double by capturing the first two races of the season.  Mild favorites Pedro’s Dream ($5.40) and Whatutalkinbout ($5.80) combined for a $13.40 daily double.  Each of the final 12 races was won by a different trainer with a mix of win mutuel returns from $2.80 to $30.80.

On the driving side, Brett Miller dominated the first day action with a Grand Slam.  His four triumphs came with Whatutalkinbout (1:51.4, $5.80), Savemedasportspage (1:55.1, $2.80), Vroom N Vonnie (1:57.3, $3.20) and JJ Tanner (1:53.4, $6.20).  Other drivers with single first day successes were Trevor Smith, Austin Hanners, Ricky Macomber Jr., Tony Hall, Tyler Smith, Brady Galliers, Mitch Cushing, Trace Tetrick, Josh Sutton and Sam Widger.

For Cushing, the victory was the 999th of his career as he closes in on the coveted 1,000 wins plateau.

Fastest mile of the day was 1:51 by Gamblin Mo (Captaintreacherous) and driver Trace Tetrick in a $19,000 conditioned claiming pace for non-winners of 10 races.  Each of the ten horses carried a $50,000 claiming tag.  King’s Cruiser and Twig completed the trifecta.

GAMBLIN MO REPLAY

Racing will continue on Tuesday afternoon with the track’s normal 4 p.m. post time.  Live racing will be conducted on a Sunday through Thursday five days a week schedule through the first Saturday in May.

For complete race results, click here.

From Miami Valley Raceway