Cat Manzi became just the second driver in harness racing history to collect 13,000 career victories when he scored with Manningly in the third race at the Meadowlands on Wednesday.
The 58-year-old Manzi, who trails only Herve Filion (15,174) on the all-time win list, came into the day needing two victories for the milestone. In the afternoon at Harrah's Chester, Manzi won with Lucky Lou, leaving him one short of 13,000.
In the $10,000 Kindergarten Classic for two-year-old colt trotters, Manzi was aboard Manningly, who is trained by his best friend, Larry Rathbone. Manzi and Rathbone also teamed up in the 2004 North America Cup with Mantacular, which gave Manzi his first ever $1 million win.
Starting from Post 3, Manzi placed Manningly on the front and the Yankee Glide – Balanced Action colt never looked back. The duo trotted through splits of :29.1, :59.2 and 1:30.4 en route to a two and a half-length score in 1:59.4. Celebrity Legacy (Peter Wallinder) was second while Money Machine (John Campbell) finished third.
For Manningly, it was his first lifetime win in just his second start. The colt, who was a $30,000 yearling purchase, is owned by M And L Of Delaware Inc.
In his career, Manzi, who was the sport's Driver of the Year in 2005 when he set career highs with 727 wins and $8.7 million in purse earnings, has driven the winners of over $130 million in purses.
Driver John Campbell continued his pursuit towards 10,000 victories when he scored with TL Lindy in the $10,000 Kindergarten Classic split for two-year-old trotting fillies.
The Conway Hall – Measure Up filly sat fourth most of the mile until Campbell moved her off the rail in the stretch and she rallied to an impressive four and a half-length victory in 1:59.2.
Valeris (Dave Miller), who did most of the roadwork, finished second and Celebrity Blueeyes (Peter Wallinder) was third.
Kevin Lare trains TK Lindy for owner Jerry Silva. It was the career debut for the filly, who was a $50,000 yearling purchase.
After the win, Campbell sits seven shy of 10,000.
To view the results from the Meadowlands, click here