To the surprise of very few, Jason Bartlett and Rene Allard were Yonkers Raceway’s leading 2018 driver and trainer, respectively.
The 237-program season (one postponement), which concluded this past Sunday (Dec. 16), saw Bartlett roll along to an eighth local title.
The 37-year-old Bartlett, originally from Augusta, Maine, was both the winningest (485) and busiest (2,328) driver, winning at a 20.8 per cent clip. His $8.8 million in purses also led the list.
Jordan Stratton was again second, this time with 371 wins and $7.3 million in purses, with the top five win list completed by George Brennan (345), Jim Marohn Jr. (167) and Brent Holland (164).
Allard, a 31-year-old Québecois now operating out of Matamoras, Pa., took down the Westchester prize for the second time in the last three seasons. He sent out 178 winners from 843 starters (21.1 per cent strike rate), leading in purses ($3.55 million). Scott DiDomenico (160 wins), Richard Banca (141), Ron Burke (113) and Jennifer Bongiorno (71) completed the top quintet among wins.
The Raceway’s 234-program, 2019 season is set to begin Jan. 7, with a first post of 6:50 p.m.
(Yonkers Raceway)