Oliveira falls a nose short on debut

WILKES-BARRE, PA – UFC Champ Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira nearly won his official U.S. pari-mutuel driving debut on Tuesday (May 5) in Race 13 at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania, finishing second by a nose in a thrilling stretch drive.

Dark clouds rolled over Wilkes-Barre as a big crowd gathered to watch superstar and current BMF titleholder Charles Oliveira take on the local talent at the Northeast Pennsylvania oval.  But the only thunder in the area was that of hoof beats and the roar of the crowd as the popular pugilist moved into his racing position.

Oliveira pointed Kashed Up A up behind the post five slot and was right up on the gate in the center of the famed red track at the start.  Sent off as the 5-2 second choice, he drifted off the car as Mark Herschberger thrust He’s Special right to the front from post seven, with Oliveira dropping down into a loose pocket in second.

The field reached the quarter in :27.4 and was in single-file formation out of the turn, but as they straightened out past the stands for the first time the 6-5 favorite Ill Play It Alone and James Kennedy moved first up, dragging Ronaldo N (Anthony Napolitano) along with him second over.  They reached the half in a softer :57.4 while the favorite reached Oliveira’s wheels, forcing him to flush.

With Oliveira pulling the pocket down the backstretch Kashed Up A had poked a head in front of the pacesetting He’s Special as they reached the third panel in a quicker tempo of 1:25.2.  Around the final turn the favorite was breathing down Oliveira’s neck, but “the champ” was urging his charge as the three horses were side-by-side as they turned for home.

Down the lane, once again Oliveira had his horse on top for several strides before the finish as the troika continued to battle in front of the throngs of fans that lined the outside fence and were cheering robustly for their UFC idol.

At the wire it was too close to call, but following a photo review by the Pocono racing officials the favorite Ill Play Alone was declared the winner by a nose in 1:54.2.

ILL PLAY ALONE REPLAY

Driven by James Kennedy for owner/trainer Lou Pena, the 9-year-old son of Somebeachsomewhere paid $4.40 to win.  The 3-5 exacta with Oliveira in second paid a handsome $20.20 on a $2 ticket.

Oliveira took his time turning his horse after the race.  By the time he did pass the stands, it was well after the other horses had gone back to the paddock.  This delighted all of the people who had patiently waited for their chance to meet “Do Bronx” after the races, as the driver soaked in all the cheers as he walked his horse slowly back down the homestretch.

While 100+ fans showed up at Pocono to watch his debut, all with hopes of meeting the famed fighter, they were not disappointed.  Once Oliveira had changed out of his driving colors the champ graciously posed for photos and selfies on the apron while his entourage waited patiently.

In fact, throughout the preparations for his race, Oliveira stopped whenever he was asked to pose with fans, horse people and his fellow drivers who were all enjoying having Do Bronx around the race paddock for the afternoon.  For observers, it is truly hard to believe that he is such a fierce competitor in the octagon.  In person, the man is soft-spoken and carries himself with a grace and humility that would seem to be the opposite of what one may expect from a champion fighter.

To prepare for today’s race, Oliveira arrived about two hours before post time and had to obtain his racing license from the state commission.  Then he was ready to meet his horse and get down to the business of racing.  Following his warm up he had help from Jason Bartlett in adjusting the race bike stirrups, which was followed by a review of the program page with Pocono’s perennial leading reinsman George Napolitano.  Luckily for the all of his admirers, his pal Roger Melo was on hand to provide translation from Portuguese. Simon Allard was instrumental in getting Olivera to Pocono for his big debut, and also enjoyed the presence of his nutritionist and fellow driver Josias Santos.

With his entourage in tow, including wife Victoria and 1-year-old son Dominic, Oliveira draws a crowd wherever he ventures.

Oliveira will continue driving this week, as he will be participating in a team event at MGM Yonkers Raceway on Friday [May 8], and will conclude this Northeast harness track tour with a drive at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Mother’s Day Sunday (May 10).

Before his race, local NBC affiliate WBRE was on hand to conduct a TV interview for the evening news, where Oliviera was asked about his love of harness racing and if he will continue.

“I love the sport and want to do this for the rest of my life,” Do Bronx said through his interpreter.  “When I retire from fighting I want to race horses full time!”

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

by Chris Tully, for Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen’s Assoc./Pocono