by
john manzi for the CKG Billings Harness Drivers Series
In
the early 1980's when the CKG Billing Harness Driving Series was instituted and
abetted by the North American Amateur Drivers Association little
did the founders of each realize that amateur racing would become such an
integral part of the industry and spur on many amateur clubs in harness racing.
And when the realization
that amateur racing could be wagered on there is hardly a racetrack in the
Northeast that doesn't rely on carding races for amateur drivers to supplement
their wagering cards.
However,
with the proliferation of clubs and organizations that cater to amateur drivers
so many local clubs have sprung up in recent years that the
Billings Series, the granddaddy of all amateur organizations, has found that
finding drivers to travel to various racetracks in the US and Canada has taken
a hit since many participants opt to compete in local clubs and forsake the
traveling.
However,
tonight (May 11), over the one-mile oval at the Meadowlands the first race on
the betting card was relegated to the recreational participants in the eastern
region of the CKG Billings Harness Driving Series. In that contest eight amateur
drivers lined-up behind the starting gate for a wagering event and when the
judges posted the official sign Jennifer “Lady J” Lappe emerged victorious with
her veteran trotter, FoxValley Steffen in a very creditable time of 1:55.1.
Overlooked
and sent off at odds of over 6-1, “Lady J” angled her charge to the pylons as
the wings of the mobile gate folded and was content to travel along
in fifth position. When the field headed to the third stanza Ms Lappe rallied
her trotter and by the time they rounded the final turn they were third on the
outside behind pace-setter Danish Durango (Bob “the Headhunter” Hechkoff) and
Shady McCoy in rein to Dave “the Rave” Offenberg.
When
the field headed down the long homestretch the three aforementioned were across
the racetrack but as they approached the finish line Fox Valley Steffen proved
too tough for the others and went on to a two length triumph. Shady
Mccoy finished second a long neck in front of Danish Durango.
Each
of the drivers of the top three finishers are also members of other amateur
clubs. In fact every driver in the race belongs to a multitude of amateur
organizations.
It
was the second consecutive victory and 35th of his illustrious
career for Fox Valley Steffen who with this riumph has raised his lifetime
earnings to nearly $400,000. He paid $15.40; $8.00 and $4.00.
Next
up in Billings action will be a midwest region contest at Sciota Downs on May
18.
