Ron Burke Breaks All-Time Single Season Earnings Mark at The
Meadowands
Standardbred Trainer surpasses Todd Pletcher's all-time single season earnings record
Standardbred Trainer surpasses Todd Pletcher's all-time single season earnings record
East Rutherford, NJ (December 12th) - Entering the Friday night program at The Meadowlands, Ron Burke's earnings in 2014 stood right at $28.1 Million, just a few thousand dollars short of Todd Pletcher's mark from 2007 of $28,116,097. When Appomattox crossed the wire first in the Free For All Handicap Trot, Burke's season earnings moved to $28,118,465, surpassing the mark set by Pletcher seven years ago.
Standardbred Trainer surpasses Todd Pletcher's all-time single season earnings record
Standardbred Trainer surpasses Todd Pletcher's all-time single season earnings record
East Rutherford, NJ (December 12th) - Entering the Friday night program at The Meadowlands, Ron Burke's earnings in 2014 stood right at $28.1 Million, just a few thousand dollars short of Todd Pletcher's mark from 2007 of $28,116,097. When Appomattox crossed the wire first in the Free For All Handicap Trot, Burke's season earnings moved to $28,118,465, surpassing the mark set by Pletcher seven years ago.
Of course, Burke was far from done. After a third place finish by Cut A
Deal, a second place finish by Hot Type and a win by Set Me Up Burke began to
build the lead over Pletcher. When factoring in earnings earned elsewhere
Friday, Burke's earnings by the end of Friday night totaled $28,145,885.
At the end of the night, Ron Burke stated simply he was "very happy and
proud" to achieve this historic accomplishment.
It was Appomattox, somewhat ironically making his first start for the Burke
stable, who put Burke over the top, winning the Free For All Handicap Trot in
1:53. The new acquisition for the Burke-Brigade was sent straight to the
lead by Yannick Gingras, reeling off fractions of 27.4, 56.2 and 1:24.3 before
turning for home with Melady's Monet, riding a three race win streak pressing
him first over. However, Appomattox was able to fend off the 9/5
favorite, and denied the four-peat. Mistery Woman checked in third.
Appomattox returned $6.20 or owner Reima Kuisla Stable.
Burke also took hop top honors in the top-class mare pace with Set Me Up.
Coming off an impressive win at the B-1/A-2 level last week, Set Me Up took
control early through fractions of 27.3, 56.1 and 1:24 and dug-in all the way
to the wire winning in 1:52.2 as the 1/2 favorite. Set Me Up held off a
late charge from Coffee Addict and Momma Rock was a locked in third. The
winner is owned by Burke Racing Stable LLC and Weaver Bruscemi LLC.
On a big night for Ron Burke, it should come as no surprise that leading driver
Yannick Gingras also had a big night, capturing three races. Scott Zeron
had a big night after missing last Saturday with a nasty cold, winning three
races as well.
The Jackpot Super Hi-5 went unclaimed tonight thanks to a parade
of longshots that resulted in a dime superfecta returning over $15,000.
The carryover in the Super Hi-5 for Saturday stands at $6,818.
Overall, the total handle for the Friday program of $2,309,728
marked a six-percent increase over the same date last year.
Racing returns to The Meadowlands Saturday, with first post time
at 7:15 P.M.
