By john manzi for the
Billing Series
The
Midwest region of the CKG Billings Amateur Driving Series moved back to harness
racing roots on July 24th when five members ventured to the
double oval at the Fowlerville (Michigan) Family Fair for a trotting contest
and when the judges hung the official Steve “You’re Never Too” Oldford
was victorious with The Budster in a time of 2:03.3.
The
12 year old altered son of Broadway Hall notched his fourth seasonal victory
and the 46th of the veteran trotter’s illustrious career.
The
Budster pretty much had things his own way after leaving from the two hole.
Oldford used the front-end en route to victory over Gespacho and driver“Jerry
the Jet” Mihelic while third place went to Truth In Action with Gregg “Fast
Greggy” Keidel at the controls.
It
was a reunion of sorts for Oldford and The Budster.who are together again after
a long hiatus.
“During
his 3-year old season we (Oldford Racing) had owned The Budster and we
won the Old Oaken Bucket with him at Delaware, Ohio that year.,”
Oldford related. "He had raced real well for us and we sold him after his
3 year old season.
"Jessica
Schroeder, now with the USTA, used to rub The Budster when Pete
Foley was training him for us back then. Late last year Jessica called
and told me that The Budster was headed to the Amish and since the old
guy was so good to us way back when I decided to buy him and race him in the
amateur series in Florida this past winter,” Oldford explained “And we even won
a few races together at Pompano (Park) earlier this year.”
Oldford
was excited to tell The Budster story and even more excited about the way the
old fellow trotted to victory Monday night at the Fowlerville Fair.
“Although
his recent form hasn’t been real good he was super tonight at Fowlerville. So
much so that I may even drive him in some future Billings races,” Oldford
said jubilantly.
