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Tuesday, July 23, 2019

STEVE OLDFORD WINS BILLINGS TROT AT THE FOWLERVILLE (MI) FAIR


by john manzi, for the Billings Series

Fowlerville, MI—On Monday, July 22 there was a five-horse Billings Trot at the Fowlerville Family Fair in Michigan posted as the last race on a lengthy card that featured Michigan-bred colts and fillies and being not far from his home, Steve “You're Never Too” Oldford not only participated but he came away with yet another driving victory when he guided Blasco to a gate to wire triumph in a 2:05 clocking over National Forces, driven by Jerry “the Jet” Mihelich.

When the wings of the mobile starting gate folded Oldford sent Blasco to the front and they led the others by the first quarter in a soft 33 seconds. However, Steve picked up the pace when “Fast Freddie: Davis came calling on the outside and the trotted by the half in 1:04. Up the backside the two leaders were still heads apart until Blasco rebuffed the challenge and went on to a one length victory. Sitting a two-hole journey paid dividends for Mihelich as his Natural Forces rambled home for second money. Third place went to Stirling Boudica driven by “Michigan Miriah” Wright.

The race winner, Blasco, is owned by Oldford Racing and trained by Oldford.

Oldford, whose quickly becoming the face of amateur racing, owns many standardbreds employs many trainers and will travel almost anywhere to drive spirited steed. But in recent years he's become a member of multiple amateur racing organizations. Currently the vice president of the CKG Billings Harness Driving Series Steve was recently awarded the Harness Racing Museum's Amateur Driver if the Year Award. It was the sixth time Oldford has received that honor..

A few seasons ago Oldford was named National Amateur Driver of the Year and now with 11 wins, four seconds, nine thirds and a .416 UDR he's got a good chance at yet another national driving award this season.