USHDC combines racing and charity at Oak Grove

Oak Grove, KY…March 31, 2026…The United States Harness Drivers Club (USHDC) made their inaugural 2026 charitable presentation at Oak Grove Racing and Gaming on March 30 with the beneficiary being Sanctuary, Inc.

 

The Hopkinsville, KY. based Sanctuary, Inc., now in its 45th year of offering hope and healing to those that have suffered assault and domestic violence, among other travesties, is just one of several charitable beneficiaries that will benefit from the generosity of the USHDC during the Oak Grove meet, which continues through mid-July.

A large contingency from Sanctuary, Inc. was on hand for the award presentation, which included guests enjoying rides in the starting gate and a visit to the announcer’s booth.

USHDC President Dein Spriggs echoed the sentiments of the guests lamenting, “Our Amateur Club has been rewarding worthwhile charitable organizations for about 30 years now and it is an honor for us, through the generosity of our members, to continue to recognize the necessity to help those in dire need because of these unforeseen circumstances and, at the same time showcase what harness racing can do for local communities and far beyond.”

One such member of the USHDC is Cassidy Whitton, the young lady who won last week’s inaugural USHDC with her own pacing gelding, White Belly.

Whitton, who is now competing in her 20th season on the track, reached the winner’s circle again this week by guiding her own five-year-old mare, Little Bit Tuff (Bit Of A Legend N) to a popular win in 1:55.4, justifying the 1 to 2 tote-board public support resulting in a win mutuel of $3.10 in the first of the two featured USHDC events on the program.

That’s Cache, handled by Adarryl Gates, Jr., finished second, four lengths away, while Rk’s Toni with Laderick Huggins handling the lines, closing for third, edging Thsesummernights, teamed with Dein Spriggs. Lottie’s Webb picked up the nickel in this octet.

Beginning from the inside post, Whitton was away unhurried as a serious skirmish evolved off the wings aa trio of foes with multiple lead changes taking place through hot early panels of :26.4 and :56.2.

Halfway through the mile, That’s Cache, driven by Adarryl Gates, Jr. was trying to protect a precarious lead from the challenging Dontinvitemein, teamed with Matthew Wilson.

At the third station clocked in 1:25.3, Little Bit Tuff bursted forth, collared That’s Cache turning for home and drew off late.

After the event, owner-trainer-driver Cassidy Whitton related, “This is an up-and-down business, as we all know, and there can be a lot of dry times so I appreciate this little bit of good fortune more than ever.

“I was really hoping to get the top off the gate from the inside but there was just so much going on off the wings that I had to just get away in good order and hope that everything would work out.

“When I tipped on the backside, my mare answered the call…but those early fractions helped.

“It doesn’t work that way every week, that’s for sure.

“But I do want to say that I love the Amateur Club here—it’s wonderful to be a part of it—and the good they do to help those in need is really great!”

This was the first win of the year in 10 starts for Little Bit Tough with her career bankroll now at $87,261.

The USHDC finale on the day went to last week’s winner, as well, Jk’s Shining Star (Jk Endofanera), for driver Adarryl Gates, Jr., who, just as last week, was in the sulky for trainer Randy Crisler and owner Their Hensley.

Leaving from the far outside nine post, Jk’s Shining Star was all business as the wings folded and used a sizzling :26.3 opening panel to outduel Holden Steady, with Peter Kleinhans in that one’s sulky.

D A Wicked Shine, piloted by Dein Spriggs was next early during a ground saving journey with Nimble Ned and Joseph Hershberger next, followed by April’s Big Guy with  Laderick Huggins at the lines.

Once on top, Jk’s Shining Star was able to settle down, get to the half in :58 and wait for some competition to develop on the backside.

It did, too, as Nimble Ned rushed up to challenge during the third quarter to poke his neck in front at that station in a picked up 1:26.2.

One chirp from Gates and Jk’s Shining Star was on her way to victory and stretched the lead to 2 1/2 lengths at the wire over Holden Steady with D Wicked Shine a neck better than Wise Thinking, closing fastest of all for Od Johnson.

April’s Big Guy picked up the minors ninth 1:56.2 mile.

After the race, Gates said, “This is a really nice mare to drive…does anything asked.

“In fact, she doesn’t need to asked…she just seems to know what to do and then goes on to do it!”

Jk’s Shining Star now sports an 11—3-1-0 scorecard for $18,478 and 39 career wins in 186 lifetime starts, good for $360,112.

She returned $6.14 to win as second choice.

Heather Lancaster, a spokesperson for Sanctuary, Inc., summed it up by saying, “This (amateur) club is so valuable to the community to help bring to light the situations that can disrupt lives and we appreciate the donation and their bringing these problems to light.

“Great for us…great for harness racing!

“Thank you to the Amateur Club and Oak Grove for hosting us.”

“It’s really great!”.

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

by John Berry, for the USHDC