The upstate New York chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association has unanimously chosen Jack Flanigen to receive the Comeback of the Year Award for 2009
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A bad racing accident sidelined Flanigen for several months and put a serious dent in his 2008 performance. When he did return to the sulky, many of Flanigen's catch drives had been picked up by other drivers. Although, it didn’t take long for Flanigen’s aggressive driving style to back in high demand, as he soon made regular trips back to the winner's circle. Before you knew it, Flanigen had a horse in every race once again.
To date in 2009, Flanigen has 155 wins and just under $700,000 in purse earnings. He is hitting the board 44 per cent of the time with a UDR of .281, and will surpass the largest annual purse earnings total of his career.
This year saw Flanigen start in the most races and record the most victories in a single year in his career since 1999. His previous high purse earnings for 12 months were in 2006 when he bankrolled $698,000. Since Jack’s first career win in 1984, he has recorded 3,200 first-place finishes and has driven his mounts to $7.5 million dollars in purses.
Jack Flanigen will receive his award during the UNY-USHWA Night of Distinction, which will be held at Batavia Downs on Friday, December 4 during the card of live racing.
Horse, driver, and trainer of the meet for the Batavia Downs fall meet and Western New York horse, driver, and trainer of the year will be announced at the track on Friday, December 4.
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(With files from USHWA)