While he was hoping to achieve career victory number 1,000 on Saturday's Super Night card at Balmoral Park, waiting an extra night did not diminish the excitement of reaching the milestone for 22-year-old Tyler Buter.
"I certainly thought about that and that would have been a pretty nice time to pick up a win like this," said a happy Buter. "I just didn't work out though but I'm still thrilled to have accomplished it tonight (Sunday) with this trotter."
The native of Manchester, Michigan guided Jaq And Gus to victory in Sunday's ninth race, winning the one-mile trot in a snappy 1:54.4.
Hailing from a long line of horsemen, Tyler Buter lived and learned the business under the wing of his father, Todd, who is zeroing in on 2,000 career driving wins.
"I've been at the barns, the tracks and around horses with my family since I was old enough to walk," Buter said. "Even during my school days I couldn't wait to get out of class and get to the farm to help my folks finish up the horses."
Buter posted his first pari-mutuel win at Raceway Park back in 2002. His best year came in 2007 when he posted 444 victories with purse earnings of over $2 million. Since arriving in Chicago some eight months ago and hooking up with trainer Perry Smith, Buter has definitely made a name for himself on the tough Chicago circuit but he's not about to relax now.
"I just try to take it one day at time," he explained. "There are so many ups and downs in this business that you have to try and keep an even outlook on things. It's tough enough out there so don't need to make it any tougher on yourself."
(Balmoral Park)