Colonial Downs to Feature a Sunday Race for Drivers 65 Years of Age & Up

Opening Night, Jim Larente wins with The Doctor
Photo: Coady Photography

Based on early season success of harness drivers like 78-year-old Jim Larente and 75-year-old Sam Miller, Colonial Downs will debut a special “Life Begins Again” trotting race as part of its card this Sunday afternoon at the New Kent oval.

The unique race was the brainchild of Racing Secretary Craig Andow and Senior Steward Jean Chalk. The race itself features two conditions---one for horses and one for drivers. Eligible horses include trotters that have not won $925 in purse monies over their last four starts. The stipulation for drivers is much more straightforward – they must be at least 65 years of age.

Andow corralled eight reinsmen to participate at Wednesday morning’s draw and the combined field totals 563 years of experience. Gene Miller is the baby of the group at age 65 while Larente, 78, is the senior member of the eight.

“The success that Larente and Sam Miller are having this fall really impresses me,” said Miller, who has also raced three times at Colonial this fall. “To do what those guys are doing at their age is amazing.”

Miller will drive Elvis Is Back, a horse he also trains, but doesn’t have high hopes heading into the race. “My chances are slim and none”, he said with a chuckle. “My horse isn’t much but I do know one thing, we’re going to have a lot of fun.” 

The rest of the field includes Mike Terniskey (66), Charlie Dunavant (66), George Filion (73), Larry Tilley (71) and Stan Hathaway (69).

“Most of these guys are trainers and almost all still drive, though most do quite infrequently,” said Colonial’s Andow. “We thought it would be nice to let them compete against each other because they may never get a chance to do it again.”

“I’m still physically able to drive,” said Stan Hathaway, “But I just don’t enjoy it as much. I tend to leave the driving to the younger guys. I’m going to enjoy this race Sunday and I’m here to win it. Hopefully us old geezers can put on a good show for the fans.”