USHDC action at Oak Grove Racing

Oak Grove, KY – There were so many harness racing heroes on the Sunday (July 9) program at Oak Grove Racing and Gaming like amateur race winner Dein Spriggs and first-time winner Cassidy Whitton, to name a couple, but United States Harness Driver Club (USHDC) President Spriggs mandated that Cassidy’s Cause be headlined first.

Cassidy’s Cause was the latest honoree at the Oak Grove racing oval as they received a hefty donation from the Club during Sunday’s ceremonies.

Founded about 10 years ago, Cassidy’s Cause provides those with disabilities an opportunity to develop skills through therapeutic, educational and recreational activities interacting with horses.

Executive Director of Cassidy’s Cause, Angie Jackson related, “Our therapy helps individuals build confidence, self-esteem and important social skills and this donation from the amateur club will help us continue changing lives and make a difference in our community.”

Their work is far-reaching as there are 57 weekly participants benefitting from theses equine assisted services.

On the racing front, Dein Spriggs kicked off the festivities by conquering the outside eight post and a rugged journey to score a half length triumph with the nine-year-old gelding Reggie Raider (McArdle).

Double bubbled through a hot :26.2 opener to seek a close-up spot, Reggie Raider found some live cover turning for home and wore down Ayr Pioneer GB, driven by Carson Conrad, in the final yards. Sports Teller finished third with Tony Dinges in the sulky.

It was the sixth win of the year in 22 starts, sending his seasonal earnings to $43,363—his best year ever.

Ironically, there were a trio of milestones reached in the event as Reggie Raider won his 35th race lifetime in his 200th career start giving driver Dein Spriggs his 500th win on North American soil. He also has several wins in. Europe.

The winner is owned by Dawnelle Mock and, as third choice on the board, paid $8.92.

The grand USHDC final went to Rocking Retirement (Rockin Image), handled by Martinsville, Illinois native and new USHDC member Cassidy Whitton, also, ironically, benefitting Cassidy’s Cause.

Ms. Whitton gave her charge a picture-perfect drive to score by a widening three lengths in 1:56.1—both horse and driver getting their first win of the year.

Leaving from post five, Whitton sent Rocking Retirement right to the front through the :27.2 initial quarter then sat patiently as a duo of others got in a fist fight the next half mile. Finding room turning for home, Rocking Retirement forged to the front and drew clear for the benefit of owner Sixto Rivas and the $2 faithful who got $11.48 for their investment.

The day’s festivities were capped by Tony Dinges receiving the leading amateur driver award as the USHDC featured 28 drivers donating their driver earnings this meet enabling the club to surpass the $10,000 mark in donations.

One final note and, yes, ironically, Monday is the final day of racing at Oak Grove Racing and Gaming and, also, birthday number 73 for announcer Robin Burns, who has been calling races for over a half century.

For complete race results, click here.

by John Berry, for the USHDC