Oak Grove, KY…April 15, 2025…”The British are Coming” is the iconic phrase supposedly stated in Paul Revere’s midnight ride, warning the colonists of the British troops nearing before the start of the Revolutionary War.

History has come to show that Revere did NOT say those famous words, but the British did arrive at Oak Grove Racing and Gaming in the form of 26-year-old Noah Stanley as he promptly won his first race here in the U.S.A. in the USHDC (United States Amateur Driving Club) feature on April 14, guiding the five-year-old Fear The Dragon harness racing gelding Seriously Feared to a handy three length win for trainer Gary Campbell and owner the elder Noah Stanley, new arrivals from Great Britain.
To cap off the festivities, the “junior” Stanley joined Heather Lancaster, Executive Director of Sanctuary, Inc., in the Oak Grove winner’s circle as the USHDC continued their charitable ways with a donation to begin their 2025 season.
The younger Stanley was in the sulky guiding the stable’s newest arrival for trainer Campbell and the pair teamed up for a handy 1:55.2 win measuring three lengths—this after a contested opening panel of :27.4, taking charge from Dontinvitemein and driver Travis Williams, Jr. and Dakota Jack, with Jesse Barnard in the bike,
Once on top, Seriously Feared subsequent panels of :57,3 and 1:26 with a :29 final sealing the win.
SEARIOUSLY FEARED REPLAY
La Parka, driven by Jill Brown, rallied for third while Sonic Star finished fourth under the direction of Alexandra Sarkine. Bit Ofa Tiger N, driven by Dein Spriggs was moved up a notch to fifth, the result of an incident at the start as the favorite, Shark Solicitor, made a miscue causing a rare refund for those with tickets on Dragons Better.
Chatting with the Brit after the race, the younger Noah Junior said, “Mr. Campbell told me to ‘just stay out of trouble’ and I figured the only way to do that is try and make the top.
“It worked out really great as my horse responded really well when approached by another horse (Dragon Perfect with John Mungillo) around the final bend and, from there, he was strong all the way home.”
Seriously Feared, a first time starter at Oak Grove, earned his initial win of the year in nine starts to send his career bankroll to $62,226 and rewarded his faithful with a $25.12 mutuel.
Festivities continued in the Oak Grove winner’s circle with the USHDC presenting Sanctuary, Inc. with a donation to continue their work on behalf of those that have suffered domestic violence and assault.
Said USHDC President Dein Spriggs, “You know, this is all made possible by the generosity of our members who donate 100% of their earnings driving in these events to our cause…and, further, we appreciate the help of of Kevin Mack and Cara Collins, who put our amateur club races on so we all can continue with our club’s work, which, benefits local worthy recipients, ultimately stretching outward to national organizations.
Ms. Lancaster added, “We so much appreciate the generosity of the driving club, as it enables us to fund our crisis lines, counseling and therapy sessions, our legal and medical advocacy events and work on behalf of affected children.”
Oak Grove Racing continues Tuesday, April 15, with post time set for 1:45 p.m.
For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.
by John Berry, for the USHDC