Hope wins Hope Memorial
By George Starks 

GREENVILLE - In January, 2013, the father of Thomas Hope passed away. 

Saturday at the Darke County Fair, fourth generation driver, Chris Hope had the pleasure of driving in the inaugural James T. Hope Memorial. 

Not only did the young Hope drive, he took Lookout Mac A to, to victory in a time of 2:01.3. 

It was a special night for Chris.

“It meant everything to me to just be in that race,” said Hope. “They told us that it would happen in February or March and make sure that either I or my dad was in. They said that every year the Tom Hope Memorial will be a Gentleman’s race and I want to be in it as long as I am allowed. The Gentleman’s Club is for armature drivers. 

It also brought on another meaning for Hope. 

“It was the first of my Gentleman’s Club races,” Hope stated. “I was pretty excited about that. The horse is a little lazy at first but once he gets going, he’s all business. My dad (Tom) told me I drove him exactly the way I needed to and that he was very proud of me and happy with the way things went.” 

It’s been a good 2013 season for Hope but it could be better. 

“I would like to have more drives and I’m a little impatient about that,” Hope admitted. “I want to make a career out of this and it’s a little slow going when you want people to give you drives.  I’ve got four wins, three seconds and a couple of thirds so it’s been a good season so far.” 

Being a fourth generation driver, Hope was born into the racing family but it wasn’t his passion in the beginning. 

“I was more into my sports when I was in school but now I’m doing what I want to do,” said Hope. “I really made the decision two years ago to race but up to that points, I was helping to train horses. Horses has kept my interest and I love it now.” 

Where does Hope see himself in five years? 

“I’m hoping to get drives every night,” admitted Hope. “I want to get my name out there and make a living at this. I really want to get out of training and concentrate on driving only.” 

Hope concluded by saying in five years, he would like to be in top contention in the harness horse racing world.