JOHN R YANKEE WINS KEITH LONG MEMORIAL AT OCEAN—HILL BACK

Ocean Downs paid tribute to local horseman Keith Long who died last
summer at the age of 37 and the track sponsored a memorial race for Long
Saturday, July 19. Donnie Long, Keith’s brother, drove in the featured
race, which was won by John R Yankee, a seven year-old gelding driven by
Eric Ledford ($11.00). The 1:58.1 mile was the fastest trot of the
current summer meet at the Ocean Oval.

Ledford had a driving-double and now has 32 wins after the 19^th night
of racing this summer at the ocean. Brandon Givens also notched a pair
of wins, including a win for owner/trainer Robert Leager, Jr.’s three
year-old colt Always A Choice ($3.00, 1:56.4). The Three Olives colt
last summer set the Ocean Downs record for two year-old colts with a
1:56.2 when driven by Frank Milby. Givens also piloted 12 year-old Best
After Midnight to the gelding’s fourth win of the year. The Don
Milby-trained veteran pacer Saturday posted his best time in the last
two years (1:56.4, $4.80).

Saturday was Pink Ribbon Night at the track to benefit the local chapter
of Women Supporting Women, a group that helps provide awareness,
friendship and support for breast cancer survivors and their families.
Their featured race was a one mile pace won by seven year-old Mc Matz’s
Ztam, which has won all three of his starts at the ocean this summer
(1:56.1, $10.20). John Wagner drove the Manley Brown, Jr.-trained
gelding to the win beating 2/5 favorite O Narutac Savant.

Driver W. David Hill III was back in the bike Saturday night after a
nasty spill, which sent him to the hospital Thursday night July 17.
“That stuff happens. I’m a little bit sore, scrapped up, but I’m all
right,” he said. Hill was set to drive his own four year-old Preview The
Dream in the first leg of the “Michelob Light Pace” stakes event, but
was injured three races before the stakes race. While being treated on
the track, Hill knew who he wanted to drive his horse. “Oh yeah, I was
looking for somebody I could depend on to drive her like I wanted and
Ray Robinson did that for me and he won with her,” Hill said after
Saturday’s races. The Preview Lobell mare won her first of the year
(1:58.3, $7.20) with “Shorty” at the helm.

The 60^th Anniversary live summer meet continues its Wednesday,
Thursday, Saturday and Sunday format through August 24. Parking and
admission are free. First post is 7:35 pm nightly. For more information,
call the track (410) 641-0600 or visit www.oceandowns.com.

Jim Whittemore, Publicity Director