BY FRANK
DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway
YONKERS, NY, Thursday, February 26,
2015—Dan Dube, Yonkers Raceway’s leading driver thus far in 2015, won his 8,000th
career race Thursday night.
The milestone victory was a wire-to-wire
performance with outsider Clem ($22.60) in the $14,500, eighth-race pace. From
post position No. 7, the 6-year-old gelding held sway a half-length in 1:56.
Dube, who entered the evening needing a
pair of wins for the plateau, immediately halved that number when
Upfrontwhosurlady ($16.60)—in her first purse try since mid-September—was a
loose cover victress in the $9,000, pacing opener (1:55.4).
He then finished second, second, fifth,
fifth and fifth in next five drives before earning his required-by-law
congratulatory sign.
“I don’t really look at (the numbers),”
the 45-year-old Quebec native said a couple of days ago. “I don’t put any
pressure on myself. I’m happy the season has gone well so far.”
Dube,
approaching $95 million in career purses, is best known as the primary driver
for two Harness Horses of the Year, Gallo Blue Chip (2000) and Rock N Roll
Heaven (2010).
The Raceway’s live season continues Friday and Saturday (post times at 7:10
PM). Evening simulcasting accompanies all night programs, with afternoon
simulcasting available daily.
-30-
(photos-Sean
Hamrock-accompany)
