Billy Davis Jr. made his 3,000th trip to the winner’s circle after winning with Vintage Grand in Northfield Park’s fifth race on Sunday (May 2).
Davis led at every call with Vintage Grand, eventually besting his competition by two-and-three-quarter lengths. The 1:55.1 clocking was the 25th score for the seven-year-old pacer, who returned $2.60 to win.
The 34-year-old Davis began driving in 2007. His 3,000 wins have helped him garner over $22 million in purse earnings.
Billy drove his first race in April 2007 at Northlands Park Raceway. That first drive resulted in a last-place finish after sitting last at every call in a $4,000 claiming event with Shine On Kiev. His first win came in his seventh drive in a condition claiming event at Fraser Downs aboard Spartacus Dee J for a purse of $3,300.
Davis’ richest win was a $200,000 Ontario Sire Stake Final at Mohawk aboard Performing Art. His fastest happened in 2013—a 1:48.1 win with Speed Again. He rates the best horse he has ever driven as Lets Drink On It.
Davis had driven over 20,000 races against many different drivers. However, he credits Mark MacDonald with being the best he has ever driven against.
“I learned a lot driving against him [Mark MacDonald] on a consistent basis,” said Davis. “Mark is a very talented driver.”
MGM Northfield Park has benefited from the current Canadian shut-down with several drivers now making regular appearances on the Flying Turns. Davis has quickly enjoyed success and is heavily contemplating staying at Northfield after racing resumes in Canada.
“Coming to Northfield made sense for me because I needed a place to race that fit well with the Buffalo Raceway schedule and the Northfield racing program is lucrative,” said Davis. “I have been given a lot of opportunity already and although I am still undecided where I will be in the future, I am strongly considering staying here at Northfield.”
Davis feels fortunate to have had good stock to drive in his career and says that winning races is a team effort.
“There have been many people that have given me opportunities in my career,” said Davis. “I have been very lucky and thank them all.”
(Northfield Park)