Great Lakes Downs track report

Jareth Loveberry rode his first career winner Monday evening, when he snuck through on the rail with Clear for Take Off in the third race, a six-furlong claimer. Loveberry, an 18-year-old who started riding earlier this month, had the lead at the top of the stretch and rode steady to hold on by a half-length. Clear for Take Off, owned by Mark Ely and conditioned by Harold Schooley, paid $10.40 for the win.

Loveberry, a recent graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School, has been galloping horses for about five years for trainer Randy Russell. Loveberry said he has an interest in architecture and plans to enroll next month in a local school.

Russell, who broke his left leg in four places during a saddling mishap a few weeks ago, was back at the track on crutches Tuesday night. He was in the winner's circle with Christijeau, a recent claim for owner Margaret Sullivan. Russell's son Reid has been subbing for him at the barn, and trainer Al Ilicin Jr. has been saddling most of his charges.