Corbin, KY…November 2, 2025…The United States Harness Driving Club (USHDC) held its final event of the Cumberland Run season on Sunday, with 20-year-old Jalen Gray reaching the winner’s circle for his first-ever pari-mutuel win in harness racing.
Gray gave Tapped Teen, a seven-year-old gelding son of Dear Loua confident drive from post two that took the lead from the wings during a :28.1 opener before settling into the yard spot behind Talk Racy To Me, handled by Trey Brinson. through one half: 58.4.
Gray said, “He felt like he wanted to race right after and I pulled him and I felt the pace got really fast and we battled through that third quarter (:27.4) and he was still feeling strong and then pulled away. He ran a really good mile (1:56) ahead of me!”
Talk Racy To Me finished second to Brinson, 2 1/2 lengths behind, with Adarryl Gates closing fastest of all, :28.4, and finishing third with Wise Thinking.
DA Wicked Shine came fourth for Dein Spriggs, while Pictonian Thunder took home the final prize for Od Johnson.
Gray, who turns 21 on Nov. 16, just received his “P” license “a few weeks ago” and quickly proved that his exploits on the fair circuits in Tennessee and Mississippi were no fluke with his 37-11-6-6 scorecard and a .441 UDRS.
Having had experience with horses since he “could walk,” Gray learned the trade from his father, longtime horseman Mickey Gray,
“I grew up with horses,” Jalen lamented, “so I got a great education, getting to know them from nose to tail.
“After getting my (P) license I came into contact with trainer John Hughes here and he was the one who gave me this opportunity to ride Tapped Teen and I really appreciate his trust and the opportunity.
“You need these kinds of breaks to get started, that’s for sure,”
When asked if he would be the next Dave Palone, the modest Gray continued: “At this stage I’m just happy to be in the winner’s circle today, I’ll keep working day in and day out to get better and better.
“There are a lot of great drivers today and I just hope to prove that I’m good enough to drive on the same track as them.”
By the way, Tapped Teen posted his 2025 stats at 3-4-5 in 23 starts and $32,807 in premium. His lifetime earnings rose to $221,012, with Michael Tarkington the beneficiary of today’s win.
As the fourth betting choice in this closely matched race, Tapped Teen paid $10.36 to its loyal players
After this race, USHDC President Dein Spriggs noted, “You know, all the goodwill, charitable donations and community efforts would never have been possible without the blessings of some great employees here in Kentucky.
“Race Secretary Kevin Mack and Shannon Taylor from The Mint have played such an important role in making this a success and our appreciation cannot be expressed in words.”
For full race results, click here: American trotting results
Through John Berry for the USHDC
#Jalen #Gray #scores #win #career