Palone wins five at The Meadows, reaches 13,001 career wins

Dave Palone became just the third harness driver in history to reach 13,000 wins this afternoon at The Meadows when he guided Western Kissed to victory in race 11.

Palone had won the first, sixth, and seventh races earlier in the day to set him up for the milestone victory. It came with Western Kissed, who is trained by Ronnie Burke, in a $17,000 pace for $30,000 claimers in 1:53.3. Palone also won the 13th race with Burke-trained Andreoli Hanover to give him 13,001 victories.

A winner of over $72 million lifetime, Palone enjoyed his best year ever last season when he chalked up an amazing 885 wins and over $10 million in purses.

“Anyone who knows me knows I’m a very competitive person,” Palone said last week.

“I just don’t accept mediocrity. I expect a lot out of myself. I’ve been given a lot of good opportunities, and I feel with the opportunities I get, I need to produce. I won’t accept anything but winning races.”

Palone, the leading driver at The Meadows for two decades, was injured in 2007 in a racing accident which broke his leg, an experience he said helped him gain perspective.

“I learned two things: Never take anything for granted and also you never know when your last drive is going to be,” Palone said.

“I think it’s made me come to the track more prepared. Since the accident I’ve gotten myself in probably the best physical shape of my life; it forced me to go to rehab and get in shape.”

As to whether he could overtake Quebec native Filion who has well over 15,000 lifetime wins, Palone said: “I’d be lying if I told you I didn’t think about it somewhere down the line. The whole key is staying healthy and getting the opportunities. You just have to go in there and do your best and the numbers take care of themselves.

"I’m very fortunate to be in the position to drive top horses. I wish every driver out there had the same opportunities that I’ve had.” (The Meadows)

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