Taking full advantage of a pocket journey, Twice The Ruckus hung a neck decision on Alpine Hawk last week and put an end to that veteran’s winning streak.
For the 8-year-old Twice The Ruckus, the victory pushed his bank account just a tad shy of the $100,000 mark as the trotter picked up his initial snapshot on the season for trainer George Reider, co-owners Dave and Rob Haness and pilot James Kennedy.
“This horse has been a gem of consistency,” Reider explained. “He has some mental and psychological problems and for the several years I’ve had him he’s certainly tested me, but we always seem to work everything out.
"His groom Hanne Bainter does an outstanding job, and James knows the horse really well. When something is not right, he can tell me right away and then we’re able to make the appropriate adjustments. He’s not really a catch driver’s horse.”
Twice The Ruckus collared a pretty tough customer last week in the 11-year-old Alpine Hawk, who had rattled off five in a row since returning from a vacation and proved hard to down after carving out all the pace. As mentioned earlier, the score put Twice The Ruckus within a couple of checks of reaching the six-figure earnings plateau.
“You know the best part of my job?” George asked. “It’s watching the smiles on the faces of Dave, Rob, Hanne and James when they’re walking to the winner’s circle to greet Ruckus.”
Dave Haness said, “In his early years he didn't show much promise, raced at the bottom claiming level and often times had a real problem just being able to trot the mile. The thought of ever knocking on the $100,000 door could not of been a consideration.
“Enter George Reider. With the help of his groom Hanne and driver James Kennedy not willing to give up on him through some frustrating times, the fortunes for Ruckus have changed dramatically. It is so heartening to watch this horse try so hard now and be so very successful that the $100,000 door will be opening for him very soon. This is the kind of horse that owners really love.”
