Mohawk: Rick Zeron gets win No. 8,000

One of harness racing’s most popular drivers, Rick Zeron scored his 8,000th career driving victory Thursday night at Mohawk Racetrack.

Zeron, 59, entered the evening just a single win shy of the milestone. Driving 3-year-old pacing filly Dixie Lullaby in the evening’s seventh race, Zeron was able to get the filly up in the final strides for the milestone victory.

Nicknamed “The Whip”, Zeron has been a regular driver and trainer on the WEG Circuit for over two decades. The Oakville, Ontario resident has consistently posted impressive numbers throughout his career, including driving the winners of over $3 million in 14 of the last 16 seasons.

Zeron, who won his first race at Rideau Carleton Raceway in 1975, was the top driver in Quebec for many years before relocating to Ontario in 1995. His career best season for wins came in 1989, when he won 437 races and captured another Quebec driving title.

Zeron’s best season for earnings was recorded in 2006, when he drove the winners of over $7.7 million. Last season, he put together another solid campaign with 126 wins and earnings of nearly $3 million.

The past few weeks have been memorable for the Zerons, as Rick’s son, Scott, won the Hambletonian with Marion Marauder on August 6th. The father-son duo also teamed up to capture the U.S. Pacing Championship with Rick’s stable star Shamballa on the same day.

A model of consistency, Rick Zeron is on pace for another solid season with 71 victories and earnings of over $1.4 million. He currently ranks ninth in the WEG Drivers standings and sixth in the Trainers standings.

--edited release (WEG)