The United States Harness Writers Association Upstate New York Chapter has announced that top reinsman Jack Flanigen will receive the 2010 Western New York Driver of
the Year Award.
Flanigen started driving in 1984 and has been a fixture on the Batavia Downs-Buffalo Raceway circuit ever since. Twenty-six years later, he is completing the best year of his career, as he has currently scored 295 wins (the most of his career), $1.4 million dollars in purse money (twice as much as any other year in his career), and a UDR of .332 (second highest of his career).
His 2010 totals rank him tied for 24th for UDR ranking overall in North America among all drivers with 500 or more starts.
Besides being one of the most sought-after catch drivers locally, Flanigen found himself in the majority of New York Sire Stakes legs at both Batavia and Buffalo all summer, as many ship-in trainers found themselves using him whenever he was available.
Flanigen was last year honoured as the Comeback Driver of the Year, as he bounced back from an accident which sidelined him for most of 2008. Although, the heights he hit this year far outshine his accomplishments of 2009, and his efforts have once again placed him atop the local driving colony in Western New York. His current lifetime totals show 3,497 wins and just under $9 million dollars in winnings.
Flanigen will receive his award in the winners circle during UNY-USHWA’s 'Night of Distinction,' which will be held at Batavia Downs on Saturday, December 4.
(USHWA)