Veteran duo kick off GLADA season in style

Northfield, Ohio…July 6, 2026…The Great Lakes Amateur Driving Association (GLADA) kicked off their 2026 harness racing season on Sunday (July 5) with a pair of veterans—Lavern Miller and JD Yoder—reaching the winner’s circle with the veteran trotter Bo Nanze Chip.

Both Miller and Yoder will be 74 years-young in August, celebrating one day apart, while Bo Nanza, at age 10, won for the 36th time in his career spanning 176 starts as the U.S.A. celebrated its birthday of the Declaration f Independence signing in 1776.

This was a classic, hard fought duel to the wire as Miller, beginning from the second tier nine post, was away mid-pack as Threefiftytwo, driven by Cameron Kina took charge from the rail with Nacho Rodeo (post 3) in the garden spot.

After a :28.1 opener, Bo Nanza Chip began a first-over jaunt after that and reached third half-way through the mile in :58.2.

The pace quickened somewhat during the third stanza as Threefiftytwo continued to lead with Bo Nanza Chip grinding a length away at “quarter pole” in 1:28 with Nacho Rodeo looking for some room to roam.

In the lane, Bo Nanza Chip finally got by Threefiftytwo as Nacho Rodeo found some sailing late but fell short by a half-length as Bo Nanza Chip hit the line in 1:58.

BO NANZA CHIP REPLAY

Threefiftytwo did finish third while Game On Girls finished fourth for Lauren Harmon with Esteso and Don Sherman teaming up to get the nickel.

In a post-race interview, Miller, a Kalona, Iowa native, is in his 50th year as an “amateur” driver and said about the win, “‘Bo’ is just a real nice veteran horse—trustworthy, I would say—who gives all he’s got.

“I wasn’t worried about the second tier because I knew we’d get away along the rail and, probably, mid-pack.

“That’s just what happened and the pace appeared to be a little slow during the second quarter so I decided to pull and tough it out first up.

“He just kept grinding away and got it done…a very good mile for the both of us…actually for the three of us, including my second cousin, JD Yoder, who trains him and owns him.

“I come from Kalona, Iowa, a small town of 3,500 back then…if fact, it’s still 3,500 today (actually 2,762 according to the latest census).!

“Shows you that harness racing can reach all over the world!”

Miller earned his 89th career victory—first this semester—as did Bo Nanza Chip, who vaulted his career bankroll to $176,706.

In a closely knit field, Bo Nanza Chip was fourth choice in the betting and returned $10.40 to his faithful.

GLADA is a philanthropic club who members donate 100% of their earnings driving in their events to charitable organizations, including equine aftercare and therapy horse training.

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

by John Berry, for GLADA