The First leg of the British – American Drivers Challenge was staged at Tir Prince on Breeders Crown Finals night on 1st August. During last winter at Pompano Park Richard Haythornthwaite and Chris O’Reilly both enjoyed success, securing a victory for the visitors.
So, it was now the turn of the North American team consisting of Tony Dinges, Jeffrey Schaefer, Dennis Whittemore, Ronald Cusimano and Dein Spriggs to seek revenge on foreign soil.
However, it was the two winning UK/Ire drivers from the American leg who dominated the finish, with Haythornthwaite and Soldier Stanley wearing down O’Reilly and Itsmycheck towards the finish to win by a length in 2.02.0.
The next four places were filled by the North American reinsmen, with Dein Spriggs taking third with Rhyds Merlin, the intended drive of Jamie Davies, who kindly gave up the drive after Spriggs’ intended partner was scratched.
The other UK based drivers in action were father and son Patrick and Lee Morris.

The results on points stack up as follows:
British Team 27 points – American Team 17 points

Not an insurmountable challenge for the visitors to overcome.
The remaining race is to be staged at Aberystwyth this Sunday, which is sure to be a unique experience for the visitors having to race on turf.

Good luck to all competitors!