Kelly Walker Wins Monday's GLADA Race

By Patricia P. Miller for GLADA

Another competitive race showcased the driving talents of the GLADA club members on a clear cool August evening. And Kelly Walker, USHWA national amateur driving champion of the past year, was looking for a win with his own Jedrik Hanover, a seven year old gelding son of Andover Hall trained by Terry Tomlin. Leaving steadily from the 8 hole, a march to the top left Walker in front by the 3/4 pole for victory in 2:00.1.

A full field of 9 faced off with the starter and seven trotters ripped away from the gate, leaving two gate breakers behind. A dash to the quarter pole found Ace Hanover in rein to Steve Oldford on top in 28.2, followed by Smokin Steven with Mike Mitchell in the bike in second, and Y F Crasher and his driver Richard Roach, last week’s winner, in third.

At the half in 59.0, Ace Hanover led the way but Y F Crasher was up for second first over, and Smokin Steven was working away in 3rd. As the trotters rounded the final turn, Jedrik Hanover had made his outside move and was challenging for the lead and perennial speedster Merlincrest, driven by Michael Caston, cast his spell on the field and roared up the outside from fourth to third.

The camera flash saw Walker seize the victory, with Ace Hanover in second, and Caston and Merlincrest up for the show dough. The end of the season is in sight and points are critical. Who will be season champion? Watch and listen and learn as the GLADA club races on toward the finish line.