Entering the Friday night program at The Meadowlands, Ron Burke's earnings in 2014 stood right at $28.1 Million, just a few thousand dollars short of Todd Pletcher's mark from 2007 of $28,116,097.
When Appomattox crossed the wire first in the Free For All Handicap Trot, Burke's season earnings moved to $28,118,465, surpassing the mark set by Pletcher seven years ago.
Of course, Burke was far from done. After a third-place finish by Cut A Deal, a second-place finish by Hot Type and a win by Set Me Up Burke began to build the lead over Pletcher. When factoring in earnings earned elsewhere Friday, Burke's earnings by the end of Friday night totalled $28,145,885.
At the end of the night, Ron Burke stated simply he was "very happy and proud" to achieve this historic accomplishment.
It was Appomattox, somewhat ironically making his first start for the Burke stable, who put Burke over the top, winning the Free For All Handicap Trot in 1:53. The new acquisition for the Burke-Brigade was sent straight to the lead by Yannick Gingras, reeling off fractions of :27.4, :56.2 and 1:24.3 before turning for home with Meladys Monet, riding a three-race win streak pressing him first over. However, Appomattox was able to fend off the favourite, and denied the four-peat. Mistery Woman checked in third.
Appomattox, who is owned by Reima Kuisla Stable of Seinajoki, Finland, returned $6.20.
Burke also took hop top honours in the top-class mare pace with Set Me Up.
Coming off an impressive win at the B-1/A-2 level last week, Set Me Up took control early through fractions of :27.3, :56.1 and 1:24 and dug-in all the way to the wire winning in 1:52.2 as the odds-on favourite. She held off a late charge from Coffee Addict, with Momma Rock a locked-in third.
The winner is owned by Burke Racing Stable LLC and Weaver Bruscemi LLC.
On a big night for Ron Burke, it should come as no surprise that leading driver Yannick Gingras also had a big night, capturing three races. Scott Zeron had a solid night after missing last Saturday with a nasty cold, winning three races as well.
The Jackpot Super Hi-5 went unclaimed tonight thanks to a parade of longshots that resulted in a dime superfecta returning over $15,000. The carryover in the Super Hi-5 for Saturday stands at $6,818.
Overall, the total handle for the Friday program of $2,309,728 marked a six-percent increase over the same date last year.
Racing returns to The Meadowlands Saturday, with first post time at 7:15 p.m.
(Meadowlands Racetrack)
To view results for Friday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Friday Results – Meadowlands Racetrack.