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Sectionline Bigry won the $50,000 Gene Riegle Memorial Thursday at the
Darke County Fair.
CNO photo by Brad Conrad (Conrad Photography)
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Riegle Memorial contested on final night of harness racing
By George Starks
GREENVILLE- Six horses took the track Thursday night in the final night
of harness horse racing. Looking at a purse of $50,000 and a field of
horses that had 3.4 million dollars combined in lifetime winnings, the
annual race was sure to be a good one.
It was.
Dancin Yankee was the heavy favorite going into the race having earned nearly two million dollars in his 11 year career.
However, someone forgot to tell Tyler Smith and his horse Sectionline Bigry.
"I've raced against this horse before and I knew what he was capable
of," said Smith. "At about the quarter pole, I made a move. In a race
in Cleveland, I went too fast too early and racing against a horse
that's won nearly two million dollars, I knew I had made a mistake. My
horse gave out late and couldn't recover from it. Tonight, I made a
move early, took the lead and let him pace himself. If it were to come
down to a sprint, my horse tonight can go with the best of them.
Sectionline Bigry is a very nice horse and he loves his job."
It all came down to that final eighth of a mile.
"This horse can out-sprint anyone in a eighth of a mile sprint,"
boasted Smith. "This horse is every drivers dream. I just sit back and
let him do all the work. He knows what needs to be done. I don't have
to put any force or pressure on him. He's such a good horse."
Smith has won his share of big money races but the Riegle Memorial is special.
"I've known Bruce (Riegle) and his family for a very long time so
winning this race is special to me. The fans are really into it and you
can hear them screaming and hollering so when you know the people in
the crowd is really into it, it's a great night for everyone."
For Smith, this was his first trip to the fair.
"You always hear others talk about this fair but you really have to
experience this place," admitted Smith. "For a county fair, this is an
unbelievable atmosphere. This track is very fast and is great to run
on. All tracks should be this nice."
Smith, 26, started racing when he was 12. A native of Washington
Courthouse, Smith started driving at the fairs, getting his first
professional race when he was 18.
"If it weren't for my family, I wouldn't be here today," admitted
Smith. "There's a lot of people that make me look good. You have the
groomers, the people that supplies, the blacksmiths and the list goes
on and on. They are the ones that put me on the map. I'm a fourth
generation driver and if it wasn't for my mom and dad, I wouldn’t be
anywhere in this business. They are the ones that gave me a shot. I
thank God everyday for allowing me to do what I love."
Coming in second was What A Boy with Dan Noble followed by Dancin Yankee in third with Ronnie Wrenn Jr. in the sulky.
In the 25,000 dollar Arnie Almahurst trot, a new track record was
established as I Know my Chip went the mile in 1:55.1 with Sam Winter
doing the honors. Pine Dream was second with Moonshine Hangover third
with Jeff Nisonger driving.
After picking up 15 wins on opening day and Saturday. Nisonger finished
the week with 20 wins total giving him the Chip Noble Award once again.
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I Know My Chip edged out Mission Accomplished (3) to win the $25,000
Arnie Almahurst Trot Thursday.
CNO photo by Brad Conrad (Conrad
Photography)
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