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Jeff
Nisonger is seen here taking Blueridge Casino to the win in the
Virgina Breeders Race for
two year old colts and geldings. Photo
courtesy of vhha.net
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Nisonger takes
Virgina Breeders race
By George Starks
RICHMOND, Va.- Recently, Darke County native Jeff Nisonger won one of
the biggest races on the harness horse circuit, the Breeders race for
two year old colts and geldings in a blistering time of 1:56.430.0.
During the 2012 Darke County Fair, Nisonger took the pacer to the
winners circle twice.
"A friend of mine, John Ingram, trains the horse and I've been the only
one to drive him. He has never given me any doubt about his ability,"
Nisonger said in a telephone interview. "Ingram bought the horse at a
sale last year and gave a thousand dollars for him. He was planning to
race him in Indiana but he wasn't good enough so he prepped him to go
to Virginia."
A big win that took a lot to prepare for.
"It meant a lot to me to win this race because I knew how much work
John put into the horse," said Nisonger. "This is a family horse and a
well deserved win."
When Blueridge crossed the line, he barely beat out Stately Manor
(1:57.129.3), less that a second time wise.
"It was a tight race and I was second the whole way," Nisonger pointed
out. "Then it opened up at the top of the stretch but late, a horse got
to my wheels and things just worked in our favor."
In the past, Nisonger has seen more than his share of time in the
winners circle.
This year, he has won his share of races but even he admits, it's not
been the best season.
"It's been slow for me," said Nisonger. "I haven't exactly set the
world on fire but I've held my own."
Nisonger said he would finish the season at the end of the year and
will look forward to the 2013 season.
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