by John Manzi, for the
Billings Harness Driving Series,
MONTICELLO, NY—Although
there were events for Billings members in early April at Pompano Park the
granddaddy of all amateur driving programs, the CKG Billings Harness Driving
Series, will get underway in earnest on Saturday, April 27 at Freehold Raceway
and then move to Miami Valley Raceway the following afternoon.
Both programs have been
drawn and most notable is the purse increase at both venues. At Freehold the
lady and gentlemen drivers will compete for a $9000 purse while at Miami Valley
they'll go for $8,000.
But competitors will find
that they'll be racing for more money than in the past at many venues. At
Scioto Downs the purse will be $10,000; at the Meadowlands, $11,000; at the
Meadows-$12,000; and at Woodbine Mohawk; $12,000.
Both Tony “the Capo”
Verruso, Billings Series president, and Steve “You're Never Too” Oldford, the
series vice president, worked diligently in an effort to formulate an admirable
program.
“Tony and I adjusted the schedule a
bit concentrating on the tracks that get the most participation, “Oldford
noted. “The big add in the West this year is The Meadows where we have five
legs and the West Gold Cup. Northfield Park has eight legs total.
Purses are up at all tracks which we hope will bring out more
participation.
“We will again have our youth
program which allows those under 25 years old, with under 50 pro wins, to race
for free. It worked well last year. Two up and coming amateur
drivers to watch are Mariah Wright and Alysha Binkley, both very good and
should be at our West opener at Miami Valley next Sunday.”
“We have also added some condition
allowances for amateur horses to help benefit those who race mostly in amateur
races,” Verruso added.
Once again the Billings
Series -now in its 38th season--will offer opportunities for
competitions nearly weekly until late November. According to Billings Series
president Tony Verruso, one big difference this season will be the elimination
of the Silver Cup Final in in lieu of an East and West $25,000 Gold Cup
Championships.
