BY
FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway
YONKERS, NY, Thursday, October 29,
2015—Jason Bartlett used Yonkers Raceway’s final Thursday card (Oct. 29) of the
season as a backdrop for his latest milestone.
Yonkers Raceway’s leading driver reached
6,000 career wins, getting to the plateau with a down-the-road, odds-on Cndiana
Jones ($3.60) in 1:55.2.
Say this much for Bartlett…he needs to
learn about suspense. After getting win No. 5,999 in the $10,000 pacing opener
with a pocket-pulling Hustleonhome ($4.80) by 11 ½ lengths in 1:54.1, he was up
the oval in the second race.
If you were looking for some dramatic
build-up, keep looking. Bartlett took control of the $10,000, third-race pace
with “Cndiana” and was never threatened. She won by a length-and-a-half.
Bartlett was greeted in the winner’s
circle by family and friends, including the missus, who looked suspiciously like
Tom Brady. Mrs. Bartlett (Kristen) and Jason were joined by sons, Kobe and
Karter, along with grandfather, Richard, Jimmy Nickerson and Heidi Rohr, among
others. Mr. Rohr trained Cndiana Jones.
“Coming from Maine and not knowing what to
expect, it’s sort of hard to believe,” Bartlett said after getting the
obligatory sign of congratulations. “I never thought I’d have the success I’ve
had, going against Brian (Sears), George (Brennan) and all the great drivers
who compete here.
“I’m so happy my family was with me
tonight,” Bartlett said. “My grandfather has been a father to me and by far my
biggest influence.” The 34-year-old Bartlett, a native of Augusta, ME, has
career purses in excess of $71 million.
Bartlett’s milestone win was his 413th
local victory this season as he closes in on a fifth Westchester title.
Next up on the milestone list is George
Brennan, who began Thursday night with 15 wins away from 9,000.
