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Friday, February 27, 2015

DUBE GETS NO. 8,000

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.

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(photos-Sean Hamrock-accompany)