The competing amateurs in the C.K.G. Billings Trotting
Series stepped back in time this weekend when they traveled to the Cradle of
the Trotter in the Land O’ Goshen and compete over Historic Track, the National
Historic Landmark and the world’s oldest harness track.
It was back to the way racing used to be over the
track that has been in existence since the late 1830’s and the place
where the sports great progenitor, Hambletonian was shown to the
attending crowds.
Three Billings trots were contested on July 5 and the winning
drivers included, “Joltin’ Joe” Pennacchio, Dave “Steady As” Yarock, and Bob
“the Headhunter” Hechkoff.
In his contest, which was the first of the three, Pennacchio
got to drive Steve “You’re Never Too” Oldford’s old warrior, Celtic Merchant,
since Oldford is in Finland representing the U.S. in the World Cup of Amateur
Racing. And Pennacchio did him proud.
When the gate sprung he sent Celtic Merchant to the lead and
they were never in trouble as the old warrior trotted through fractions of
:30.0; 1:01:1 and 1:31.2 before finishing in 2:01.3 some four lengths ahead of
Drill Sergeant Sam and driver Tony “the Capo” Verruso. Two lengths farther back
in third place was Some Kinda Spunky, driven by “Johnny On The Spot” Kolkowski.
The second Billings trot was inundated with breaking horses
with four of the seven trotters going off-stride in the race which made it
quite easy for Rompaway Alvin (Dave Yarock), the eventual winner.
Rodeo Red and “Smokin’ Joe” Faraldo took command after they
left from the four hole and they were comfortable on the lead especially when
Keystone Sadie driven by Peter “Sycamore Ventures” Gerry made a break at the
half and caused problems for two others.
Although Yarock pulled the two hole going to the half
with his trotter Rompaway Alan proved to be stronger than Faraldo’s Rodeo
Red when the two trotters raced eyeball to eyeball up the backside and when
Rodeo Red went off-stride on the final turn Rompaway Alvin romped away to a
19-length triumph in a time of 2:01:1. Rodeo Red got back on stride and took
home second money while Martz Creek Rex finished third for Scott “the Money
Man” Price
A final Billings trot saw Bob Hechkoff leave swiftly
with Get Packin from the pole and go wire to wire for a 2:02.4
triumph. But victory came hard at the end of the mile as Scott “the Driving
Doctor” Woogen and Armstead Kyra charged at the leader at the top of the
stretch and they slowly erased the two-length lead that Get Packin had.
However, Hechkoff’s trotter hung gamely and rebuffed Armstead Kyra
to score a neck victory over the good doctor’s mare. Third place went to
Nearly Uncle driven by “Bullet Bob” Davis.
