Trace Tetrick collects 1,000th career win

Driver Trace Tetrick reached a milestone Monday, August 3 at Indiana Downs when he steered his 1,000th career winner. He achieved the mark in the third race on the program, winning with the Tyler George-trained Tu Fancy For You. Tetrick went on to win four races on the program.

 

“I knew I was getting close, but I didn’t know how close I was,” said the 22-year-old driver. “I didn’t really think about it. I just do the best I can and take them one at a time.”

 

Tetrick, the defending leading driver at Indiana Downs, entered the night’s program one win shy of the milestone. It didn’t take long to reach the winner’s circle. Five-year-old Tulane gelding Tu Fancy For You sped home in :27.4 for Tetrick to win by six and one-half lengths in the night’s third race. Five races later, the Geff, Ill. native collected his second win on the card with Star Challenge mare V-Key’s Starger. She is trained by Jeff Brewer, with whom Tetrick has teamed for many wins in the Hoosier State.

 

“I thought I had a good shot tonight to win several,” the driver commented. “That one of Jeff’s was in real tough but I thought she raced well last time.”

 

Tetrick’s next win came in the night’s 11th race as he guided Anton, a horse he owns, to a 1:56 score. The eight-year-old Blissful Hall gelding returned $17.40 with the victory. The driver finished strong with a victory in the finale, piloting another George entry, Southwind Maxwell, to the wire first.

 

“I’ve been real fortunate to drive for good owners and trainers,” added Tetrick, a three-time driving champion in Indiana. “I was very fortunate to come here right out of high school. Being at the right place at the right time means a lot.”