Brandon Givens wins 1,000th race

In his first race Thursday evening at Ocean Downs, Brandon Givens etched his name into the history books, driving 2-year-old filly Carol's Photo to a win in 2:04.2. Brandon's father Les Givens trains the filly. After the race, friends, family, fellow trainers and drivers joined Brandon in the winner's circle as he celebrated his accomplishment.

 

 

"My hero has always been my dad and I'm glad he is here with me to witness this. I know he's proud of me," rejoiced the young driver. "I planned to do this a long time ago but an accident and an injury stopped that. But this does feel good right now!" When asked what he plans to do to celebrate, Givens replied, "Disneyland is not an option because of my race schedule, so I think I'll just get started on getting to win number 2,000!"

 

 

Brandon couldn't have worded it better as he quickly recorded win number 1,001. The feature of the evening was the final of the Michelob Light Pacing Series. Brandon drove 5-year-old mare, Quick Flow N to the wire in 1:55.1. Starting in the two-hole, Quick Flow N found herself in fifth place at the three-quarter marker (1:23.3). Tearing through the final turn, the mare trailed Twin B Scamper before breaking away to a two-length victory. (Ocean Downs)