On a day that Monticello Raceway had to cancel its scheduled card of harness racing, there was still something to celebrate.
Bruce Aldrich Jr. and Bo Sowers copped the titles of leading dash winning driver and trainer at Monticello Raceway for 2020.
(L-R) Bo Sowers, Shawn Wiles and Bruce Aldrich Jr.
For Bruce Aldrich Jr., being the leading dash winning driver is not new to him. This year’s title marks the seventh time that Bruce has won the driving crown at Monticello Raceway. Aldrich led all drivers with 136 trips to the winner’s circle in 2020 with a UDRS of .305 and earned purses of $587,807. The 52-year-old Aldrich is approaching a monumental personal milestone of 8,000 career wins, with almost 50 percent (3,979) of those wins coming at The Mighty M.
Last year’s dash winner Jim Taggart Jr. finished second this year with 117 wins, narrowly edging Michael Merton with 116 wins. Greg Merton was fourth with 104 wins and McGwire Sowers had 80 winners.
Newcomer Bo Sowers garnered the title of leading trainer with a slate of 80 wins, 82 place and 87 show finishes to provide a UDRS of .273 with $365,140 in total purses. Gary Messenger -- last year’s leading trainer -- finished second this year with 65 wins, Dan Gill (35 wins) was third followed by Jim Doherty Jr. (32) and Thomas Milici (30).
The horsemen at Monticello Raceway will have to wait a few more days to add to the 2021 totals. Due to thawing track conditions and safety concerns for all concerned, Monticello cancelled its live card on Tuesday, January 5. Racing is slated to resume on Wednesday.
(Monticello)