2005 Hambletonian - Vivid Photo

In one of racing's greatest underdog stories, Roger Hammer and Vivid Photo travel from the Pennsylvania fairs to the Hambletonian winner's circle.

[@jkryanspark]

Hammer told his friend, the great driver, Cat Manzi, that he had a terrific horse in Vivid Photo and asked for advice about challenging for the Hambo. Manzi told him to stay away from the Grand Circuit where his horse would get beat up racing against the best, day in and day out. Hammer heeded Manzi's advice and kept racing him at small venues and fairs, winning all races on the lead. Vivid Photo and Hammer won their Hambo heat, also on the lead, and purposely chose the post position behind Hambo favorite and mainstream darling, Classic Photo, for the final. Instead of going for the front, he stalked Classic Photo throughout. The result, as you can see for yourself, was spectacular.

[@Ouellette1978]

I remember this guy coming in the drivers cantine at Pocono, little did I know that one day he would win the Hambo, great story!!!