Hoosier Park Racing & Casino culminated its 2013 harness racing meet with a 14-race card in front of a packed house on Saturday, November 9. In addition to the racing action, Tyler Smith and Ron Burke secured leading driver and trainer titles, respectively.

Ron Burke, who led the trainer standings from start to finish, was officially recognized as the 2013 leading trainer of the season at Hoosier Park. The Burke barn had an impressive 108 trips to the winner’s circle and amassed over $2.5 million in purse earnings throughout the 160-day season. Burke, who is also the leading trainer in North America, earned his third leading trainer title at Hoosier Park.

Jamie Rucker, Burke’s assistant trainer, oversees all training operations in Indiana and was present in the winner’s circle to accept the award from Hoosier Park’s Vice President and General Manager of Racing, Rick Moore.

“This was definitely a team effort from the owners, trainers, the horses and everyone in between,” Rucker noted. “We really have put together a great team at the Ron Burke Stable and we’ve had an awesome year at Hoosier Park. The new Hoosier Park staff, marketing efforts, and racing program has made this season one of the best years we have ever completed.”

In the driving ranks, Tyler Smith earned his first leading driver title at Hoosier Park in 2013. Smith scored 262 wins and earned over $2.8 million in purse earnings to secure the title over veteran reignsman Ed Hensley, who finished second with 260 victories.

The Washington Court House native started driving in 2009 and has since surpassed the $5 million mark in purse earnings and is quickly approaching $6 million mark. Smith made harness racing history at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino earlier in the season as he became the youngest driver ever to reach the 1,000-win mark at the age of 20.

Joined by his friends and family in the winner’s circle, Smith talked about his love and passion for the sport and his competitiveness fueling the ability to turn that into a career.

“Sometimes, I think I’m even too competitive for my own good. We have some great drivers and horses out here every night and it’s great to see all of my hard work paying off by receiving this award,” Smith noted. “I don’t think I can ever get too big because there is always something more that I want to accomplish in this business.”

Trainer Alvin Miller, who often calls on Smith to drive his horses, expressed his appreciation for Smith and all that he has achieved this season.

“He’s a great kid who has his head is in the right place,” Miller noted after the presentation. “The sport needs more young kids like him. He works hard and is good at what he does, that will take him as far as he wants to go.”

The Saturday night program wrapped up an extremely successful season at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino. Hoosier Park Racing & Casino would like to thank all of the fans and horseman who helped make the 2013 season at Hoosier Park an overwhelming success.

(Hoosier Park)