Once a week, throughout the harness racing season, Woodbine Mohawk Park will profile a horse who has had a life-changing impact on one of their closest connections.

This week, the series features driver Jonathan Drury, who in 2024 surpassed both 2,000 wins and $30 million in lifetime earnings, and the trotter who lined up behind the starter car 304 times during his 10-year racing career, Burnin Money.

Drury saluted the now 17-year-old gelding for being a catalyst for continued growth in his career.

Burnin Money
Foaled: Feb. 27, 2008
Sire: Cash Hall (NY)
Dam: Sister Shuzy
Starts-Wins-Seconds-Thirds: 304-41-24-47
Earnings: $691,756
Trainer: Carmen Auciello (2012-2019)
Owner: Wheelhouse Racing Stable (2012-2019)
Breeder: Morrisville Col Fdn Inc.

You’ve driven plenty of standout horses over your career. What made Burnin Money stand out?

“He was one of the first ones I drove for Carmen [Auciello] and we had a lot of success with that horse. He got me driving at Mohawk or Woodbine at the time regularly, and that would probably be the reason that he’s right up there for me.

“I first drove him for Carmen at Georgian [Downs] and he was just a claimer, then he worked his way up to the Maple Leaf Trot six months later. He gave me an opportunity to start driving more on the bigger track and helped get things rolling with Carm and I.”

What race of his was most meaningful to you and why?

“He didn't really belong there [Maple Leaf Trot] – he was a longshot [at 93-1] – but he was able to earn a cheque. To have the opportunity to compete in that race back then was definitely meaningful. I didn't think that he was a horse who would be in that race, but they took a shot on him and it paid off. They made a little money doing it and it said a lot about his character.”

How would you describe his personality?

"He was a bit of a character; he was a fairly aggressive horse. Most people didn't like having to warm him up or be on the track with him – he could be pretty grabby – but I seemed to get along well with him and I really enjoyed it.

“Carmen got him late 2012 -- that’s when I drove him that first time at Georgian. He went on to win the Don Mills a few months later and swept it actually. He went from a [$15,000] claimer to sweeping the Don Mills and kept progressing forward from there.”

What are three words to describe him?

“Determined. Bold. Tenacious.”

How has he changed your life?

“He gave me an opportunity to drive at Woodbine regularly, pick up more drives and build from there. ​He helped further my career and paved the way for more driving opportunities.”

(With files from Woodbine; photo of Burnin Money winning in 2019 at Woodbine Mohawk Park)