Owner, trainer, drivers, and Natural Herbie

[LVGaryD]

I absolutely loved watching Natural Herbie win Saturday night. The remarkable thing about the win is the fact that Verlin Yoder is not just an owner, not just a trainer, and not just a driver. He is all three!

This is simply amazing in today's harness racing game. Let's imagine a world where everyone trained and drove their own horses once again. Ron Burke would not be Ron Burke if he drove his own stock, nor would Casie Coleman or most of the top trainers. I would think Jimmy Takkter would probably be the best in the business if he drove all his own horses.

Andy Miller would be another top guy. Bill Zendt would move way up the ladder. Who else today would be able to make a good living if they had to be owner/trainer/drivers? The thought entered my mind this morning.

[C10hitch]

I'm partial to all my Indiana transplants, Pete Wrenn, Danny Shetler and of course Mark O'Mara. Excellent horsemen, dedicated and good, smart drivers all.

[C10hitch]

When I first met Verlin believe it or not he asked for advice from me, of all people. I told him to keep doing what he is doing, work hard, keep your eyes open and ask questions. I told him to watch the guys who impress you, talk to them and pick their brains, no matter who they are, even those big guys. You can learn something from everyone even if it's what NOT to do.

Now Verlin is ONE of those guys that people watch.