Dan Cappello Jr., one of Saratoga Raceway's all-time driving leaders, celebrated his 4,000th lifetime victory earlier this afternoon over that half-mile oval with New Release in a New York Sires Stakes late closer series for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings.
Cappello engineered the gate-to-wire score with the sophomore, who chopped out panels of :28.4, :59.1, and 1:27.3 before stepping home in :29.2 to post the 1:57 decision.
"It's a nice feeling and definitely something special," Cappello said after his milestone victory. "I don't know if I necessarily aim for achievements like this, but I go out there and try to win races as much as I can, and I've been able to have some success over the years."
A native of North Haledon, NJ, Dan Cappello began his driving career in 1977 with just two trips to the winner's circle, but that number jumped to 113 for his 1983 season, which truly marked the year that his career took off.
"Back when I started out, I just hoped I would do well and that I would stay healthy," Cappello added. "To me, winning races has always been about having the right horse and getting a little luck. I've been fortunate enough during my career to have both good
horses and luck."
Cappello has posted at least 200 victories in each of the last six years, with his most prolific season coming in 2006 when he piloted 304 winners while banking over $1.9 million in purse money won.
The 49-year-old horseman has captured multiple driving titles at Saratoga, and currently sits second in the local standings.
"I've done most of my winning right here," Cappello said. "And the horsemen here are really a great group of people to work with. It's a wonderful area to live and this track has definitely been a good place to race."
(Saratoga Raceway)