There’s an old adage that says, “save the best for
last” and that’s exactly what Billy “Zeke” Parker Jr. did today (July
16) when he reined Topgun Raider to victory for his 11,000th career
win in the 13th and final race at Monticello Raceway on July 16.
Parker’s milestone victory came after he left strongly
from the pole position and allowed the betting favorite Paulimony,
driven by Jimmy Taggart, Jr. to take command before the quarter pole.
From there Zeke stalked the leader and in the lane he rallied his pacer
enough to score a head victory in the final strides in 1:56.3
clocking.
“I’m really glad I won my 11,000th with
Bobby Merton’s girl friend’s horse,” Parker said during the blanket
presentation ceremony . “When I had a big stable Bobby worked for me for
over ten years.”
Parker who’s not known to be very emotional
had to wipe tears from his eyes when he was joined by family,
friends, management and some fellow drivers who came in from the
paddock to be part of the winner’s circle ceremonies. And had it not been
the last race on the program undoubtedly more drivers would have joined
the throng.
Earlier on the card Parker scored his 10,999th
victory when he guided 14 –year-old pacer How Forever Feels
home first in 1:57.4.
Asked if he was nervous as he neared 11,000 wins
Parker unashamedly admitted; “ Yeah, I was. I was pushing a little
at the end at the end.
“I’m glad it’s over and I’m proud, 11000 is a lot
of wins.”
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Despite the last race on
the card the winners circle crowd was formidable. (Geri Schwarz Photo)
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The Monticello Harness Horsemen’s Association gave Parker a Bulova watch engraved with his milestone victory. And he was also presented a cake stating Congratulations Zeke on 11,000 wins.
Parker is currently third in races won here this season with
123. Over the years he’s won 18 driving titles at the Mighty M along with
titles at Yonkers Raceway, Foxboro Raceway , Scarborough Downs and Lewiston
Raceway, the latter three in Maine, his native state.
Parker has always been an all-around horsemen and although
the US Trotting Association has Parker with 1223 training wins that number was
only tabulated since 1991. He had big stable of horses for over 15 years
prior to the catch-driver phenomenon and those previous training
victories are not recorded.
“You know, when I came here in 1985 I just had my 2000th
win,” Parker recalled. “I’ve won a lot of races here over the years,”
When told he is now only 38 wins behind fellow Mainer
Walter Case, Jr. Parker thought for a moment and then said. “I’ll
probably beat that but it’s a shame (except for the few times he drove in 2008)
because Casey hasn’t driven a horse in ten years.”
