Aqueduct: Jacobson collects record 160th winner in New York

David Jacobson established a record for races won in a single year on the New York Racing Association circuit when Tiz Gianna ($4.40) captured Friday’s seventh race at Aqueduct as the favorite under jockey David Cohen.

“It’s something very special,” said Jacobson. “I thought after we had a really good meet at Saratoga, I might have a shot. It worked out. It was great to have David and Drawing Away Stable involved in this special moment.”

Jacobson, 59, sent out three winners when racing resumed after the Christmas break on Dec. 26, equaling Gary Contessa’s mark of 159 victories in 2007.

Jacobson collected victory number 160 when Tiz Gianni, owned by Drawing Away and the trainer, collared pacesetter Itsagoodtendollars in the stretch to win a $30,000 claiming route. Drawing Away is New York’s leading owner with 88 wins this year, all trained by Jacobson.

“Congratulations to the people that worked so hard to break my record for most wins in a year in New York,” said Contessa. “I enjoyed it. Now it’s your turn. Enjoy the moment.”

With 31 horses entered on the year’s three final racing programs Saturday, Sunday, and Tuesday, Jacobson, the son of the late Buddy Jacobson, a five-time leading trainer in New York, will have ample opportunity to increase his record total.

“Setting records wasn’t a goal when I came back to training,” said Jacobson, who returned to the game in 2007 after a 25-year absence. “I was just trying to win a race at a time. Hopefully, we’ll keep this going for a long time and break the record next year.”

Jacobson leads the inner-track meet - which began Dec 11 - with 19 wins through Friday’s racing.