Berlin, MD……. In the inaugural running of the "Powder Puff Derby at Ocean Downs Sunday night, Hannah Miller and the five year old trotting mare, Bella's Punkett, prove the best in a race that featured all harness racing women drivers.
The drivers initially dined before the races in the track's clubhouse restaurant and followed up the dinner with a meet and greet session with the fans on the track's apron prior to the races.
After a late scratch of Jarming Lady knocked down the field down to seven horses, the race, a conditioned trot carrying a purse of $4200, carded as the sixth of twelve races on the night, went off without a hitch.
Karen Moore and Joeyscash quarter pole moved and opened up on the field with quarters of 30.1, 59.2 and 1:30.1 before Miller, patiently waited for clearance and fired Bella's Punkett on a first over mission from fifth position.
Advancing smartly on the far turn, Bella's Punkett came along side the pace setter finishing the mile in 2:01.3, winning by five lengths. Linda Mac Donald and Let It Go rallied for the place edging Joeys cash.
"I was happy to be asked to participate", said Miller, "since it was a very worthwhile cause. All the ladies were glad to be part of this race."
Also participating were Miriam Toland aboard Rocketpedia, Lorie Davis and Tiger's Too Good, Stacy Chiodo and Whitesville Liz and Doreen Dailey and HS Deroy.
The late scratch cost Janet Haigh- Bivona a seat at the dance floor.
All the ladies donated their five percent winnings to the children's cancer foundation " Believe In Tomorrow" with the total amount being donated to the fund at $720.00 for the night's festivities.
by Ocean Downs Staff