Ron Burke made harness racing history on Friday afternoon when he became the first trainer to win 1,000 races in a single season.
Burke earned his 1,000th win of the year in the featured $18,000 Fillies & Mares Preferred Pace at The Meadows with Magic Starlight. Driven by Dave Palone, the four-year-old Real Desire mare rallied home off cover over the sloppy track for the 1:53 triumph. She prevailed by more than four lengths over stablemate Darena Hanover and Mike Wilder.
Magic Starlight is owned by Burke Racing Stable LLC, Weaver Bruscemi LLC and Phillip Collura.
This year, Burke has broken his own single-season records for both wins and earnings. Just over one week ago, Burke's stable surpassed the $20 million earnings mark.
Last year, the Canonsburg, Pennsylvania horseman campaigned 904 winners while earning more than $19.6 million in purses.
This year marks the fifth consecutive season that Burke has lead all North American trainers for wins and earnings.