Driver Robert Dinning will return to the races on
Monday afternoon, making his first appearance at Scarborough Downs since the
talented teamster was put out of commission by injuries sustained in a May
19th raceway accident.
Dinning had been one of the hottest commodities among the local driver’s
colony before breaking his collar bone in the Preakness Day mishap. Even now
– one month removed from his last pari-mutuel start – Dinning’s seasonal
output is solid enough to earn him an 8th place ranking on the leading
drivers list at The Downs.
“I qualified a couple over at Rockingham last week and everything felt ok”
explained Dinning, “It’s been almost exactly a month since the accident and
I’ve missed driving. I can’t wait to get back out there.”
The 24-year-old native of Windoe, Ontario began his driving career less than
two years ago, contesting his required qualifying drives in the sunny climes
of Pompano Park in Florida. He quickly returned to the frozen north though,
making his first pari-mutuel start on the familiar oval at Windsor, Ontario
– steering CR Playwright to a 5th place finish.
Dinning was “warmly welcomed” to Maine on May 20th of last year when he was
parked for the mile while driving Son Of Arturo. Despite getting the cold
shoulder in his Scarborough Downs debut, Dinning coaxed a game performance
from his steed – finishing a close up third in 1:58-4/5th.
Returning next week with the respect of the local punters and teamsters in
tact, the duo was sent to the post as the even money favorite. They did not
disappoint as a 1:58 front-end trip delivered Dinning into the winners
circle for the first time in his career.
With 35 lifetime wins registered in less than two years of action, Rob
Dinning is widely regarded as one of harness racings rising stars. Whether
as an in-demand catch driver or teaming one from his own stable, make sure
to check out his act on the big time oval at Maine’s showplace of harness
racing – Scarborough Downs
Downs Doings: The win streak is over for Rays Dilemma A as the 14-year-old
pacing sensation met defeat at the hands of CG Herb in the latest edition of
the Maine Amateur Driving Club. The veteran Aussie import had tallied seven
consecutive victories for co-owners Todd Whitney and Drew Campbell …Kerogen
took top honors in the $7000 Open Trot on Sunday, scoring his 3rd
consecutive top-class victory for teamster Kim Ireland. The 4-year-old Lindy
Lane stallion battled gamely through the stretch to nip the pace-setting My
Foolish Dream by a scant nostril … Jason Bartlett held the hot hand at
Scarborough on Sunday posting five winners on the ten race program. His
performance broke the dead-heat at the top of the divers standings with Drew
Campbell now relegated to the 2nd place spot.
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