Driver Paul MacKenzie completed his quest to reach 8,000 career wins in the final race of the night on Wednesday at Grand River Raceway.

MacKenzie, 54, sent Jeremeyes Jewel through the passing lane off a three-hole trip to prevail in the final strides in 1:56.3. Owned by Lori Jennex, Earla Geisel, and Joseph Kelly of Guelph, Ont., the homebred Jeremes Jet mare edged out the first over challenger Badlyinclined, pacesetter Missy Tap Tina and the pocket-pulling Lookers Destiny in the four-across finish and paid $17.40 to win.

MacKenzie is the 28th driver all-time to reach the 8,000 win level.

"This is a great milestone. It was rough Monday, Tuesday and today in the last race we finally got it!" said MacKenzie, who had moved within one win of 8,000 on Monday's card at Grand River and chased the milestone mark throughout Tuesday's program at Georgian Downs.

After more than 55,000 driving starts, MacKenzie said he still loves the thrill of the sport. "It's a great game and I love to be in it," he said.

The Puslinch, Ont. resident, who began his driving career at age 16 on the East Coast, has been one of the top B circuit drivers in Ontario for decades and has driven winners of nearly $45.7 million in purse earnings. The accomplished horseman has also trained over 900 winners and currently has a stable of five horses.

To view Wednesday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Wednesday Results - Grand River Raceway.