Rick Farrington reached an important milestone in his career Tuesday, May 26, winning the last race of the evening and scoring his 1,000th career win in the process
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Farrington guided Gimme A Big Hug to the winner’s circle for the accomplishment. Brian Elmore, director of racing operations, was on hand to congratulate Farrington following the win.
“It’s a nice feeling to win my 1,000th,” said Farrington. “I couldn’t have won it for a better trainer, either.”
Gimme A Big Hug is trained by Mike Weller and owned by Paul McConville of Jacksonville, FL. The veteran racehorse now has 11 career wins and earnings of nearly $60,000.
Farrington has been in Indiana for the past three seasons. Prior to his move to the Midwest, he competed on the New York and New Jersey circuit, where he found success as a top 10 driver at tracks such as Yonkers Raceway. Following an injury that sidelined him for nearly a year with a severely broken leg that required surgery, Farrington decided to relocate to Indiana in his quest back to driving horses. In addition to catch driving, the 44-year-old reinsman has a small stable of horses in training at LJ Stone’s farm in Muncie, IN.
Farrington grew up in the business under the direction of his father, Dick, and mother, Dorothy, who produced several top horses from their stable, including Warm Breeze, Solid Fuel, and standout pacing filly Tender Loving Care during her two-year-old year. Dick was also the driver and trainer of the famous grey Standardbred Laag, who recorded the fastest dead heat in history with Jaguar Spur in 1988 at The Red Mile in a time of 1:51.2. Laag went on to become a solid sire and his grey coloring is still prevalent in numerous horses still racing today.
Farrington’s uncle, Bob, has also seen national success in harness racing. He is best known for his work with standout pacer Rambling Willie, winner of more than $2 million during his career.
(Hoosier Park)
Well done Rick! Many more!!
Well done Rick! Many more!!