Where Has Michel Lachance Been?

Meadowlands Racetrack racing analyst Bob 'Hollywood' Heyden has caught up with Michel Lachance, who has been keeping a low profile so far in 2009

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The man in red, white and black has driven in just one pari-mutuel dash so far this campaign, but with the younger talent starting to hit the track, you know the pilot that is quickly approaching 10,000 career wins will be back in the mix. Lachance will be the eighth driver to ever reach the illustrious 10,000 win club

"My wife and I traveled around some. It's been a great few months. I don't want to say I won't drive in the winter ever, but we did enjoy ourselves," Lachance explained to Heyden, indicating that he won't be back driving full-time until May.

"Remember too that every day I get to the barn and work with the horses, and early. I keep myself in good shape. I feel good. I would say I feel as good now than at any other time I can remember."

With Heyden doing what Heyden does best, the factual wizard has assembled a Lachance stat pack -- and what a stat pack it is:

• Lachance is No. 2 all time on the earnings list at $178,762,352 (CAN.)
• He's the last driver to lead North America in wins four straight years (1984-1987)
• He's the only driver to win two million-dollar races in a season after turning 50 -- TWICE!
• He began full time at the Meadowlands on May 1, 1988 and has 10 times been in the winners circle in his career in a seven-figure event
• He's Mike Lachance, and last week he returned to finish fourth in the Su Mac Lad's opening round, driving Lanson (75-1) for trainer Don Swick

"When Ronny (Gurfein) comes up in May, I'll be back and driving some more. He'll be back with the babies. I'll also have a couple at Chester I'll be driving," Lachance said.

"I really am blessed -- I have a wonderful wife, four terrific grandchildren. I've been fortunate all my life. I always did my best. I try and do the right thing."

(With files from the Meadowlands)