Driver Mike Whelan earned a five-win performance at Western Fair Raceway on Thursday, and the feat earned him sole possession of the leader board

in the drivers’ standings.

Whelan went into the 12-race program tied with Trevor Henry at 19 wins apiece, but by the end of the day Whelan’s total had climbed to 24 thanks to his productive day at the office.

Putnam Fantasy’s 2:03.3 score in Race 3 gave Whelan his first trip to victory lane, and he made a round trip to the winner’s circle with Vegas Girl who rallied for a 2:00.3 decision in Race 4. Seraglio’s off-the-pace tally in 2:03 in Race 6 earned him the hat trick, and El Bucanero’s 2:07.4 triumph in Race 11 gave him the Grand Slam. He capped off the card taking the finale in 2:06.2 with Starbux Eden.

The Dundas, Ontario reinsman enjoyed a career year in 2009 thanks to 164 wins and purse earnings in excess of $1.1 million. He has already racked up 26 months with a few days remaining in the month of January, while potting over $118,000 in the process. His five-win performance pushed his lifetime earnings over $5 million.

To view Thursday’s results, click here.