HOT WHEELS
MINIATURE DONKEY CHARIOT RACERS  

by: Ryan Hubbard

April 28, 2007 –

The first ever miniature donkey chariot event was held Dan Patch Night Saturday, April 28 at Hoosier Park. In front of 3,142 fans, Comet and chariot driver Harv Kamminga took top honors as they hopped along to the victory at the Anderson, Ind. track.

“I thought being out there tonight was awesome,” said Kamminga. “The track was in great shape. The distance was just right for us. I was very surprised he (Comet) was able to get there and win. This was my first time at Hoosier Park. I have yet to see the whole place and what it is about.”

Comet, the smallest miniature donkey in the field of six entrants, jumped right out for the early lead in the one-eighth of a mile event. From the third starting position, he took to the center of the track to pull away to the victory.

Kamminga’s wife, Norma, finished second with her team of Buck and Beau. Bobby Haldeman and miniature donkey Ben finished third. The remaining order included Baxter and driver Lou Caugill, Wally and driver Mike Brown, and the other double chariot entry Bud and Joe, driven by Becky Gearhart.

“He (Comet) could walk out in front of all these people and just stand there,” said Kamminga. “He is great with people. I was kind of nervous out there with my costume on.”

Kamminga and his wife operate a stable of 46 miniature donkeys on a ranch, Shadow Ranch Donkeys, which they co-own. They have been with the animals for 15 years. Their first chariot race came last year at the Indiana State Fair.

COMET RETAINS
MINIATURE DONKEY
CHARIOT RACE CROWN
The second annual Miniature Donkey Race, held at the Hoosier Park Race Track, Anderson, IN, proved to be another fun time for donkeys, drivers and spectators. Quarter Moon Comet, the 2007 winner, driven by Harv Kamminga, proved why he was the favorite to win, and retained his crown as the 2008 winner. Following closely behind Comet was 2nd place winner, Baxter, driven by DL Sears, 3rd place was Wally, driven by Mike Brown, 4th place was team Buck and Beau, driven by Norma Kamminga, 5th place was Roscoe, driven by Lou Cougill, 6th place was team Job and Joe, driven by Becky Gearhart and 7th place was taken by Opie, driven by Jim Smith.  

Norma with team
 Buck & Beau
2008 Indiana State
Fair Miniature Donkey
Chariot Race Winner
took home the
Bobby Haldeman
Memorial Trophy,
presented by Ty
Sutherlin. Holding down
the team is best buddy,
DL Sears