Fleck Specs held off the field to win the 35th running of the Cinniapolis Derby at Cinniapolis Prairie. Fleck Specs, trained by Gus Walvon, ran out of the the third post next to the odds-on favorites, Healthy Burger and Cavalier. This is the third victory on the circuit this year for Mr. Walvon and Fleck Specs. “I’m so proud of her (Fleck Specs). She raced with great effort and heart,” said Mr. Walvon.

The race began with the horses packed tightly together after the starting gates opened. Not long after, the favorite Healthy Burger looked like he would pull in front of the pack but wasn’t able to put much distance between himself and the other horses. As the horses rounded the first turn, the longshot Floppy Risk asserted an impressive inside position from her outside starting position. As Floppy Risk took the lead, a group of horses anchored by Moon Rising fell back and out of contention.

As the next straightaway presented itself after the second turn, Floppy Risk’s advantage was no more. It looked like she was running in figurative mud as the pack passed her into the approach for the third turn. With the third turn looming, Healthy Burger took back the lead and the inside position. But, it wasn’t meant to be for the favored horse. When the pack came out of the third turn, Fleck Specs had gained the lead position.

Heading into the final turn, the race outcome was still in doubt. While Fleck Specs held the inside position, the longshot galloped back into contention right on the heels of Fleck Specs. Rounding the final turn into the last straightaway, it was a 4 horse race. Led by Fleck Specs, Floppy Risk, Healthy Burger and Snoozy Bubbles pursued the lead position. Snoozy Bubbles made a move to the outside and picked up speed. The crowd roared as the longshot Floppy Risk stayed in contention. As the horses approached the finish line, Healthy Burger faded. Fleck Specs, Floppy Risk, and Snoozy Bubbles made a final push for the victory. The fans hooted and hollered at the horses. Some in approval, some in disgust. Nonetheless, Fleck Specs, Floppy Risk, and Snoozy Bubbles appeared to cross the finish line simultaneously. Fans that had waited all day for this race now had to wait for the judges to survey the photo finish. The crowd gasped and began chanting for Floppy Risk because the longshot became the fan favorite.

After an unusually long deliberation, it was announced that Fleck Specs had finished first, followed by Snoozy Bubbles, then Floppy Risk rounding out the top 3. While winning bettors raced off to collect their money, hard luck bettors griped that there was no photo shown thus causing confusion and anger amongst those with losing tickets. As of this publication, the photo still had not been made public or available to the press. “How can they do that? How can they just give the results without the photo proving the order of finish. I’m appalled,” said Karen Jefferson, wife of Ed Jefferson who trained the second-place finisher Snoozy Bubbles. “There should be an investigation immediately.”

Buck Gondola, owner of Cinniapolis Prairie, said, “I stand by our judges. They are of the utmost integrity and high character. There is no need to trot out a photo to confirm their judgment.” While frequent critic of the Gondolas, Chess Murphy said, “It’s another example of the widespread corruption within Cinniapolis. If the Gondolas are running things, you’re being taken for a ride.”

As with most major events these days, an enjoyable afternoon of races, crowds, drinks, foods, and family was overshadowed by controversy and political bickering. Aggravated patrons demanding refunds for the final race had to be escorted out by private security. Nonetheless, the Chorus congratulates and thanks all the participants in this year’s derby for unofficially re-opening Cinniapolis.