Ranger gets 7,000th career win

Bruce Ranger became the 21st driver in harness racing history to reach the 7,000-win plateau on Wednesday when guiding Doppler Effect through the wire first in the 10th race at Pompano Park.

Starting from post five, Doppler Effect led every step of the way en route to a 3 3/4-length triumph, covering the mile in 1:58.3 to give Ranger his milestone victory.

“I’ve been very fortunate,” Ranger said from the Pompano winner’s circle following his landmark drive. “I’ve been up and down the ladder a few times in my career, and just to be able to race as many times as I’ve had without getting hurt, while having some success, is a wonderful thing.”

A native of Portland, Maine, Ranger learned his trade from his uncle, respected horseman Loring Norton, and began driving professionally in 1978. During that first season, Ranger made just six pari-mutuel starts, failing to find the winner’s circle in any of those drives.

Ranger would return in 1979 to guide 22 horses to victory, followed by win totals of 74 and 92 in 1980 and 1981, respectively. The following year, Ranger enjoyed a breakthrough season when reaching triple digits in victories for the first time, prevailing 169 times.

“Some people go to the office every day, I go to the harness track,” Ranger said when looking back on his career choice. “It’s the same thing with all of the guys I drive with. It’s our job. Everyone has been given a talent to do something, and this is mine.”

A regular competitor at Pompano Park for many years, Ranger owns multiple driving titles at the South Florida oval, including honors as top driver in each of the last three years. He also owns the distinction of being the track’s all-time leading driver in victories.

“There have been a lot of nice horses down here that I’ve been lucky enough to drive,” Ranger reminisced. “I couldn’t name them all; I wouldn’t even know where to begin.

“What I’ve gotten most out of racing down here is that I have peace in my life,” Ranger continued. “I can come here every day and earn a living. I’ve got good owners, good help, and it took me a long time to get that sorted through. All of my clients I have, it is a blessing to have them. Things are just good right now”

In addition to his success at Pompano, Ranger also owns driving titles at Rockingham Park and Plainridge Racecourse. Additionally, Ranger was named the 1981 Outstanding Youth Award winner in Maine, and in 2003 was inducted to the Florida Chapter of the U.S. Harness Writers Association Hall of Fame. (Pompano Park)

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