Colonial Downs turned back the clock on opening night with what arguably may be the oldest exacta in harness racing history. When 78-year-old Jim Larente and 75-year-old Sam Miller finished first and second in the third race of the season, they started Colonial Downs’ opening night with an unusual bang.
Larente, who was not originally scheduled to drive The Doctor, surged past Miller’s Mac Atack Mac in the stretch to capture a one-length triumph in the $2,500 trotting event. The wagering public sent Larente’s horse off as the 8-5 betting choice and they were rewarded with a $5 win payoff.
Larente, who had a win earlier in the year at Scioto Downs, said, “I had a lot of fun driving tonite and it was actually fairly easy. If you have a nice colt, it’s an enjoyable game. I know where the finish line is because I have been doing this for 60 years.”
He has been in harness racing since July, 1949 but admits, “I’ve slowed down a bit, but the game is still fun. If I ever stop having fun, I’ll let someone else drive my horses.”
Miller, on the other hand, promised his wife he’d retire if he got a driving win at the age of 75.
“I came pretty close tonight, but since I got second. I’ll be racing again this fall,” he said.
A retired truck driver, Miller took to racing in the mid-70s and after 30-plus years in the sport, he keeps doing it because, “It keeps my batteries charged. I’ve tried letting other people drive my horses but a lot of times, the younger guys don’t follow directions, so I end up back in the sulky myself.” (Colonial Downs)
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