Colonial Downs race to showcase experience

Colonial Downs will assemble 563 years of experience for the debut of its Life Begins Again trotting race on today's card.

The field of eight harness-racing drivers consists of Jim Larente, 78; Sam Miller, 75; George Filion, 73; Larry Tilley, 71; Stan Hathaway, 69; Charlie Dunavant, 66; Mike Terniskey, 66; and Gene Miller, 65.

The race is the creation of racing secretary Craig Andow and senior steward Jean Chalk. Eligible horses include trotters that have not won $925 in their past four starts, and drivers must be at least 65.

"Most of these guys are trainers, and almost all still drive, though most do quite infrequently," Andow said. "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 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."