Konesky triumphs with Stoney Ridgetop

Northfield, Ohio…May 21, 2025…The Great Lakes Amateur Driving Association (GLADA) Series continued at Northfield Park on Tuesday, May 20, with John Konesky III teaming with his own Stoney Ridgetop (Wishing Stone) to score a popular harness racing win in 1:57.1.

STONEY RIDGETOP REPLAY

The six-year-old gelded son of Wishing Stone left alertly from the four post, fought with the three-year-old Great Lakes around the opening turn until reaching the backside and then opened daylight from there, leaving Holton and Steve Oldford almost eight lengths away at the wire with So Wishful, smartly handled from the second tier by Larry Ferrari, wending his way into contention in the final three-eighths to earn third, edging out Baby Yoda and Edward Miller. Magical Journey, with Lauren Harmon handling the lines, rallied from last half way through the mile to earn the final award in the octet.

The 76-year-old Konesky has seen action in the sulky for more a half century and only drives occasionally these days—this was his first start of the season—but still maintains high “batting averages” (UDRS).

As GLADA President Steve Oldford related, “J. K. 3” is always a prominent factor when he gets in the bike. He hasn’t lost a stride over the years—the Ty Cobb of drivers, you might say!”

Indeed, Konesky III, since the year 2000, has had 14 seasons over .400…with a bunch of them over .500 and one over .600.

“About the win last night, Konesky, himself, lamented, “He (Stoney Ridgeton) is just a nice, classy horse that gives you all he’s got.

“He’s a horse that makes ME look good when I’m driving…I’m just along for the ride!”

Owned by J.K. III along with son Patrick, Stoney Ridgeton now has 29 wins in 60 career starts, good for $145,123 to go along with his mark of 1:55.4 over the Northfield half mile oval.

Followed by a multitude of faithful, Stoney Ridgetop paid $2.40 to win.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by John Berry, for GLADA