Indiana Downs closes out 2009 racing program

Racing in the Hoosier State came to a close Tuesday, November 10 as Indiana Downs hosted the final program in its 80-day harness meet. The 13-race card featured several series finals for Indiana-sired horses. Ricky Macomber finished the season as the leading driver, while Ron Burke was awarded leading trainer honors.

 

Named the top driver at Hoosier Park in 2007, Macomber earned his second Indiana driving title Tuesday, and first at Indiana Downs. A veteran on the Indiana circuit, the driver accumulated 125 victories with earnings topping $1.4 million to take home top honors. Trace Tetrick finished second in the standings with 108 wins.

 

“It’s nice to add another title to my resume,” Macomber stated. “I’ve been fortunate to be able to drive for some good stables this season.”

 

For Burke, Indiana Downs’ leading trainer award is his first in the state. Burke-trained horses won 41 times and earned nearly $800,000 in purses. Trent Stohler finished second in the standings with 39 victories. Burke finished one victory shy of fellow conditioner Mark Deaton for the Hoosier Park title earlier this year.

 

“I think we did as well as we can do,” Burke said of the honor. “Every year it’s gotten better. With Jamie (Rucker) here, it has allowed us to race a full stable. Having a strong support group is what it all comes down to.”

 

In series finals action, Theory’s Hero rushed by leader Mystical Valentine turning for home and paced to a 1:53.3 victory in the $25,000 Single G final. Half of the Bruce Walls-trained entry, the Allamerican Theory gelding finished nearly two lengths in front of favorite F Train. JD’s Caleb Man finished third.

 

“He likes to be up in the hunt,” driver Jason Dillander said of the winner. “He really swells up on the front.”

 

The victory was the sixth of the season for Theory’s Hero. The gelding now possesses career earnings of $100,154. He is owned by Walls in partnership with Mary Jean Walls, Roger Walls and Paula Buckingham.

 

Favorite Western Kit and driver Trent Stohler took control before the half and paced to a one-length victory in the $25,000 Peony final. The Western Hero filly, trained by Joe Putnam, stopped the clock in 1:55. Lady Lakers, a 60-1 long shot, finished second while Sapphire Martini was third.

 

Owned by Putnam, Stohler and Bill Reepmeyer, Western Kit collected her eighth seasonal victory. Unraced at two, the sophomore has earned $119,750 this year in 20 starts.

 

Second-choice V-Key’s Starger overtook leader Bar One at the three-quarter pole and trotted home in :28 to score a 1:57.3 victory in the $25,000 I-74 final Tuesday night. The six-year-old Star Challenge mare finished a length in front of late closing favorite Ripken’s Red. Singletree Jesster, sent off at odds of 55-1, completed the trifecta.

 

Trace Tetrick guided V-Key’s Starger to her fifth win of the year and second consecutive for trainer Jeff Brewer. The mare is owned by Hartley Farms Inc. of Erie, Mich. The winner improved her seasonal earnings to $39,025. (Indiana Downs)