BERLIN – The largest crowd of the summer enjoyed the Ocean Downs closing-night umbrella giveaway and fireworks show Saturday, Aug. 25.
There were 3,625 fans on hand, which was the largest gathering at the Ocean Oval since closing night of 2005 when 4,175 filled the stands. In addition to 12 races, Ocean Downs presented a blanket to its “Horse Of The Meet and honored the summer’s leading driver and trainer.
Seven year-old pacer Twin B Scamper earned “Horse of the Meet” honors for owner/driver Frank Milby and trainer Don Milby. The Run The Table mare won eight races this summer at the ocean while finishing second in the other three of her 11 starts.
“She’s come around. Very few horses want to win like she does,” Milby said.
The 29-year-old Milby was recognized Saturday night in a winners’ circle presentation for earning 2007 leading driver honors at the ocean. Milby had two wins closing night and finished the 40-day meet with 67 first-place finishes, the most at Ocean Downs in the last 10 years. George Dennis won 62 in 1998 when he was also the leading trainer with 17 winners.
“I just wanted to come down here and have fun, be safe and win some races,” Milby, also the leading driver currently at Rosecroft Raceway said. “I had no idea it would go this good, but it’s been a great time all summer.” Ocean Downs’ track announcer George Anthony has tabbed Milby “Fearless Frank Milby” Milby is honored. “Any time you’re doing good enough to get a nickname, that’s a good thing. It’s flattering for me,” he said.
For a complete recap, see The Dispatch and its online counterpart on Friday.