Standardbred racing came back to Highbramble Park on July 3 and 4, bringing horses, trainers, and families from across the country to Woodford County for two days of races.
The races, which were a part of the Woodford County Fair, gave Standardbred horses a chance to qualify for the Kentucky Proud Series Finals at Red Mile.
John Duer, a partner at Highbramble Park who manages much of the daily work, said the weekend’s goal was simple.
“We just like to have a good time and let people enjoy themselves,” he said. “We just like to promote the sport, give people an opportunity to watch horses go.”
Duer is a partner in the operation with Michael Michalisin, Alex Riddle and Jared Williams.
The two-day event brought racing back to Woodford County, but Duer explained that Highbramble Park is mainly a training center. Hosting live races for a weekend takes extra work from everyone involved.
“This is a lot for us to put this on every year,” Duer said. “It’s worth it to see people enjoying themselves.”
Travis Stone, the announcer at Churchill Downs and the voice of the Kentucky Derby, called the races at Highbramble Park. His presence brought the same excitement heard at major races to the local track.
Spectators got to see Standardbred racing traditions up close during the weekend. Before each race, a 1976 Cadillac with a starting gate led the horses to the line.
Duer’s many jobs at the track were clear, even during an interview. As the horses got ready for the starting gate, he had to end the conversation early.
“I’ve got to time this race,” Duer said before heading back to work.
The first day included 15 races, with prize money ranging from $9,000 to $12,000.
Among those who traveled to Woodford County for the weekend was Renee Lanier, who came from Mississippi to support her husband, Dennis Lanier, the trainer of Watermelon Sizzle.
For Lanier, race day was more than watching from the rail.
“I’m here to support my husband,” she said. “That’s my race day, is to be here to support him.”
A few hours later, Lanier had another reason to celebrate: a race on the opening day, a $10,500 pace. Driven by Devon Tharps and trained by Dennis Lanier, Watermelon Sizzle crossed the finish line six lengths ahead of Midnight Beauty in 1:53.
Earlier in the day, Lanier said she was impressed by Highbramble Park, even though work on the facility is still ongoing.
“I think this is a very nice track,” she said. “I understand that it’s still under construction, so I think it’s nice.”
The toughest part of the first day was not the racing, but the heat. Lanier and her family parked near their truck so they could escape the July temperatures.
“We’re trying,” Lanier said with a laugh when asked how the family planned to stay cool. “This is why we’re parked right here. When we get too hot, we’re going in the truck and cool off.”
On the track, Your Grace won the first race, a $10,500 trot, in 2:02.2 with Marvin Luna driving and Bob Stewart training.
Easter BB had one of the strongest showings on opening day, winning the sixth race, a $10,500 trot, by nearly 14 lengths in 1:55.2. Wyatt Avenatti drove for trainer Phillip Knox.
Just Perfect Stuff won the fourth race in 1:53.1, and Kevin’s Bud matched that time in the last race of the day. Joey Putnam drove both horses and also led SJ’s Flashy Filly to a win in the 14th race.
My Body Guard, with Atlee Bender driving and Erv Miller training, won the eighth race by six lengths in 1:53.4.
Watermelon Sizzle had the fastest time on opening day, finishing in 1:53.
On the second day, Highbramble Park hosted 14 more races.
Odds On Lil Rocker had the fastest time of the weekend, winning the eighth race in 1:52.3. Joey Putnam drove for trainer Melanie Wrenn.
Doc’s Girl Friday was close behind, winning the seventh race in 1:52.4 with Randal Jerrell as both driver and trainer. Owned and bred by Dr. Andrew Roberts of Kentucky, Doc’s Girl Friday finished 1 1/2 lengths ahead of Lady Allure.
He Is Stingin won the fourth race in 1:53 with Tyler Miller driving and Julie Miller training, just edging out B B Gun by half a length.
There were several close finishes on the second day. Caviart Santa Fe won the third race by a nose over Vainglorious, and Countrydiamondlady beat Harbor Of Grace by a head in the ninth. L B I held off Dragon Sting by half a length in the 12th, and Rocksy won the last race by half a length in 1:53.4.
Over two days, 29 races allowed Highbramble Park to showcase Standardbred racing in Woodford County.