"That horse [Drumheller] felt pretty good. I knew I had it going up the backside and going under the wire for the win... well that felt great."
Gerry Hudon, one of the top drivers for years in western Canada, drove for lifetime win number 2,500 last night at Northlands Park.
Hudon went into Friday night with 2,497 career victories and wasted no time in getting to the winner's circle after guiding first-time starter Jack Cameeasy to his maiden win in the first dash of the night. Kg Rowan came right back in the third race for back-to-back wins at Northlands -- for Hudon it was driving win number 2,499.
Race six featured Drumheller, a recent addition to the Hudon stable after being claimed for $10,000 on January 27. Sent away as the 2-1 post-time favourite, Hudon had Drumheller firing sharply out of Post 6 to secure a spot up close. After sitting third early it was the first up move, before the half, against the pacesetter Dees Promise (Kelly Hoerdt) where they battled through a :27.4 third quarter. Drumheller opened up by six at the top of the stretch and coasted home to win by three in 1:56.3. This was driving win number 2,500 for Gerry 'Hollywood' Hudon!
"That horse [Drumheller] felt pretty good," said Hudon. "I knew I had it going up the backside and going under the wire for the win... well that felt great."
Hudon is proud to say that 99 per cent of those 2,500 driving wins came in Alberta and he has a wonderful team to share this accomplishment with.
"Cory Viker and his wife Christine are a huge part of the operation here and have been for 18 years," explained Hudon. "They do an amazing job with the horses 24/7 and have played a huge role in my career so this is just as much a celebration for them as it is for me."
Hudon celebrated the victory with many friends and family members, on hand, in the winner's circle.
"You know what... at the end of the day it's all about family. Everything is for them... everything is with them," said Hudon smiling. "My wife Monica is my biggest fan. My daughters [Jocelyn and Ashley] are right there too. Monica's on her feet day in and day out looking after the everyday operations of the Hudon stable, along with the everyday operations of the Hudon family. She's just amazing."
Team Hudon has now sent out 18 winners so far in 2012 -- 10 more than the next closest pursuers on the training side in Alberta. Hudon also leads all drivers in Alberta with 21 victories in 2012.
"Things are going really well for our stable this meet," said Hudon. "For our owners, our caretakers, for all involved... it's just been a great run."
To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - Northlands Park.
(Northlands Park)