Ron Burke became the first trainer in North American harness racing history to pass the $100 million mark in U.S. career earnings on Saturday (May 17).
The milestone was achieved when Somestarsomewhere won a $66,763 Pennsylvania Sire Stakes race at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.
"I’m thrilled," said Burke. "It’s nice when it’s your first time to do anything so I’m very happy. I’m just going to stay in the game and hope to get good luck to get to $200 million."
Since taking the lead role in the Burke Stable from his father, Mickey, in 2009, Burke has led all trainers in North America in both wins and earnings every year.
In 2013, the 44-year-old western Pennsylvania native became the first harness racing trainer to surpass $20 million in purses in a single year, recording $22.23 million. He also became the first trainer with 1,000 wins in a season, posting 1,090 victories.
So far in 2014, Burke trainees have posted 347 wins and his pupils have banked $5,123,878, which once again puts him in first-place on the North American leaderboard.
(USTA)