What a Night
9/4/08 KyHarnessRacing.com

    This past Sunday night, the last Sunday in August,
    was the biggest and richest night in the history for
    harness racing in Kentucky. With the total purses
    topping $2.4 million, that made it one the biggest
    days for harness racing in North America.

    The "Unbridled Evening of Champions" was a night
    that provided entertainment for the whole family. If it
    was the fast horses, older whiskey, pretty women,
    and lots of money you liked, it was the place to be. If
    you're ten years old and it was the ice cream, pony
    rides, petting zoo, and inflatable obstacles that you
    would enjoy, it was the place to be for you, too. For
    the mom that loves to put your name in drawings for
    a chance to win $500 - after each of the eight KYSS
    races - I hope you was there. And lets not forget to
    mention the grand prize giveaways, $5000 cash and
    a laptop computer (MacBook Air).

    Also, providing a "tasting table", one of the most
    famous distillery's in the world, Markers Mark, was
    present, as they wanted to be part of the action pack
    evening.

    As the races got under way, it was clear that the
    Kentucky based trainers were going to make their
    presence felt, as they would take the win check in five
    of the eight finals. Victory would come for both, the
    big and small stables.

    In the first race, trainer Kevin Thomas, took the
    winner's share of the $300,000, as his 2YO filly
    trotter, Dancing Filly, won. Thomas was just getting
    started as his 3YO filly trotter, Body Surfing, won
    another division.

    Kentucky based trainer, Pete Foley also had two wins
    in the KYSS finals. Foley won the 2YO filly pace with
    Shanghai Lil and 3YO colt pace with Blue Claw.
    Ironically, both Shanghai Lil and Blue Claw are full
    brother and sister, from the stallion Jenna's Beach
    Boy, out of the Artsplace mare, Wonderbolt.

    Perhaps the most inspirational win of the evening
    came in the fifth race, when Peggy Grant's 2YO
    trotting colt, Wizard Time, won his division of the
    $300,000 finals. Owned, trained, and bred by Peggy
    Grant, it was the colt's first win in six starts, as he
    increased his earnings by $150,000. Peggy also had a
    3YO filly trotter, Royal Garland, finish fifth in a KYSS
    that night. Peggy Grant of Lebanon, Kentucky, trains
    a small stable and races mainly on the Kentucky
    circuit, including the county fairs. With this win she
    has proven that dreams do come true. After the race
    Peggy said, " I can't believe it. It's like a dream."

    With all the owners, trainers, and drivers, not to
    mention the caretakers, that put on the show and
    the well managed efforts from the Kentucky Horse
    Racing Commission, the "Unbridled Evening of
    Champions" was a huge success. The efforts of
    everyone involved are greatly appreciated. Also,
    KyHarnessRacing.com would like to compliment Krista
    Hayden of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission for
    all of her hard work. Krista Hayden put all the leg
    work in arranging the activities and giveaways,
    including getting Makers Mark there. The only thing
    missing at the end of the story book night was,
    Cinderella herself. What a night.