Dan Dube, Yonkers Raceway’s leading driver thus far in 2015, won his 8,000th career race Thursday night.
The milestone victory was a wire-to-wire performance with outsider Clem ($22.60) in the $14,500, eighth-race pace. From post position No. 7, the 6-year-old gelding held sway a half-length in 1:56.
Clem holds on to give Dan Dube his 8,000th win (Sean Hamrock Photo)
Dube, who entered the evening needing a pair of wins for the plateau, immediately halved that number when Upfrontwhosurlady ($16.60) —- in her first purse try since mid-September —- was a loose cover victress in the $9,000, pacing opener (1:55.4).
He then finished second, second, fifth, fifth and fifth in next five drives before earning his required-by-law congratulatory sign.
“I don’t really look at (the numbers),” the 45-year-old Quebec native said a couple of days ago. “I don’t put any pressure on myself. I’m happy the season has gone well so far.”
Dube, approaching $95 million in career purses, is best known as the primary driver for two Harness Horses of the Year, Gallo Blue Chip (2000) and Rock N Roll Heaven (2010).
(with files from Yonkers)
keep up the good work Dan,
keep up the good work Dan, your fellow Quebecers are proud of you. Good luck and good health to you and yours.