When racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday, November 14, all eyes will be on veteran reinsman Ron Beback, Jr., as he begins his quest for career win number 1,000. He currently sits with 993.
The 44-year-old Beback is having his best season ever. He’s currently the leading driver and trainer at the 2008 Batavia meet. Last weekend alone he drove home seven winners, including five from his barn.
Beback began his driving career in 1984.
“I always wanted to be a driver,” said Beback, who attended races with his father when he was a youngster. His first win came on Wilcos Brass at Batavia Downs in 1986.
Like many in this business, Beback's career began a bit slow, as he has won just 110 races by 1996. In 1998, however, his career was definitely moving forward, as he won 87 races that season. But then in 1999, he suffered a heart attack and lost most of his business.
“I had a good stable at the time,” Beback said. “The business got rough for a while.”
Beback was back on his feet by 2001, as he won 55 races. The next year he won 66, then 82. Last year was his first triple digit season, winning 110 races. This year he’s already won 132 times.
Beback gives much of the credit to his owners.
“I have much better stock then I did in the past,” Beback said. “I have owners now that can replace tired horses.”
In addition to hitting the 1,000 win milestone, Beback is battling to win his first-ever dash-leading driver title. With nine racing programs remaining, he leads Ray Fisher, Jr. by one, 62-61. On the trainer’s side he’s already locked up that title, holding a 59-34 advantage over Jim Graham.
Currently the stars of his stable include pacer Smarty Merit, $64,643 in seasonal earnings, and trotter S Js Morgan ($41,517), an eight-time winner at the Downs during the summer-fall meet and a solid Batavia Horse of the Year candidate.
(With files from Batavia Downs)