Grismore YR breakthrough

The New York chapter of the Greg Grismore Drum and Bugle Corps, which handn't had a whole lot to cheer about since their namesake invaded Fun City a week ago, was beribboned and festoooned Friday night at a moist Yonkers Raceway because Grismore finally found the Westchester winner's circle...not once, but twice, the first two local victories for Northfield Park's leading driver.

After finishing second in the $4,000, second-race pace with Mach Four Par Tees and fourth with his next assignment, Grismore and 14-1 Nature's Fury A closed from last turning for home to upset in the $7,000, sixth-race pace.

The 10-year-old Down Under Vintner gelding paid $31 right off the claim for owner Kevin (Cake Boy) Quinn and trainer Dennis Laterza.

Grismore then wired 'em with his next charge, the Saratoga invader Meantnodisrespect ($9.70) in the $6,000, eighth-race pace. John Rybka Jr. trained the 4-year-old Blissfull Hall gelding.

Grismore's two winners were a combined five-for-73 this season coming in. He had been 0-for-10 since arriving at Yonkers.

"It feels a lot better after tonight," Grismore said. "It gave me much more confidence and I hope the owners and trainers have more confidence in me.

"I knew it was going to be an adjustment, and I'm prepared for that," Grismore said. "Driving at Yonkers is completely different than Northfield, and I'm learning as I go along."

Another driving "invader," Eric Goodell, also won two races on the 10-race card, as did Mark Beckwith and leading driver Stephane Bouchard. Jim Marohn and Bruce Aldrich Jr. accounted for the night's other driving victories. (Yonkers)

« Back