Bruce Levine wins 2,000th career race
Trainer Bruce Levine recorded his 2,000th career victory on Saturday night when Guayana won a $29,500 allowance race at Penn National by two lengths.
Earlier in the day, Levine recorded his 1,999th career victory at Belmont Park when Praetereo won a $50,000 claimer by a half-length.
“It means a lot, especially being based in New York,” Levine said. “It’s not like you’re at a smaller track racking up a lot of wins. To win that many races, it’s tough, it’s hard - a lot of work, a lot of years.”
Levine, 60, had gone winless with 16 straight starters since Invading Humor won the Mt. Vernon Stakes at Belmont on May 25.
Levine worked for trainers John Russell and John Campo Sr. before going out on his own in 1979. He recorded his first career victory with I’m It in Nov. 14, 1979 at Aqueduct.
Levine ranked in the top 10 in wins on the New York Racing Association circuit from 2006-10 and in 2012-13.
Levine won a plethora of stakes over the years, including the Grade 1 Ashland with Koluctoo’s Jill in 1985 and the Grade 1 Carter with Bustin Stones in 2008.
Other stakes winners trained by Levine include Coyote Lakes, a three-time winner of the Gallant Fox; Buddy’s Saint, Buddy’s Humor, Clever Electrician, Clever Pasaj, Hot Stones, and Restored Hope.