Contact: Tom Kelley
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“TRADER BUD” TAKES BILLINGS MID-WEST FINAL

"Trader" Bud Hatfield guided Just A Lad to victory in the $10,000 Mid-West Final of the C.K.G. Billings Amateur Driving Series on Sunday night at Balmoral Park.

Balmoral Park proudly played host to the $10,000 C.K.G. Billings Amateur Driving Series Mid-West Final on Sunday evening. After seven months of exciting preliminary events, a field of eight drivers braved cold and wet conditions for their chance to move on to the “Cup” Finals at the Meadowlands on Dec. 8.

When all was said and done it was “Trader Bud” Hatfield and Just A Lad living up to their 6-5 favoritism with an easy 1 ½ length victory in 2:01.0.

Handled with supreme confidence by Mr. Hatfield, Just A Lad was a patient sixth in the early going as Dale Zahn and Zorgwijk Fatal buzzed through opening splits of 30.3 & 59.2.

Moving around the final turn Bob Troyer had Rubicella out and rolling, which provided live cover for Hatfield and Just A Lad. These two quickly zipped right by a tiring Zorgwijk Fatal as the field reached the three-quarter-mile station in 1:30.1.

George Bonomo and Spit Happens captured the $5,000 Billings Consolation.

With their sights set squarely on the $5,000 winners check, Hatfield and his 10-year-old gelding blew right by Troyer and Rubicella and then held off the late challenge of Gregg Keidel and Striking Genius to secure their spot in the $20,000 Gold Cup Final. Rubicella turned in a solid effort to hold on for third.

In the $5,000 Billings Consolation George Bonomo guided Spit Happens to victory in 2:00. JJ Hergert was second for David Ehrenberg II while My Victory Song and David Carter finished third.