Bartlett wins a pair at Yonkers to reach 1,000

Jason Bartlett, Yonkers Raceway's leading driver thus far in 2008, won the 2,000th race of his career Thursday nigbt. Bartlett guided the 5-year-old pacing mare Allikait Fighter ($5.20) to a 1:57, half-length win in the $8,000, ninth-race pace. Sean Campbell trained the winning favorite for owner Robert Costello.

Bartlett drew within one victory of the milestone earlier in the evening when 2-1 choice AB Ruff Stuff ($6) went the distance in the $7,000, sixth-race pace.

"It's something I'm very proud of, and I have so many people to thank for helping me," Bartlett said.  He, accompanied by wife Kristen, was recognized with a congratulatory sign in the winner's circle.

Bartlett, a native of Augusta, Maine who turns 27 later this month, comes off his two best seasons, winning 928 races and more than $2.4 million in purses between 2006 and 2007.  He is currently in a tight battle with perennial Yonkers' champ Stephane Bouchard for early-season '08 honors. 

Bartlett joined another Yonkers' regular, Pat Berry, who last month also won his 2,000th career race...though that came across the river. (Yonkers)

« Back