by Frank Drucker, Publicity Director, Empire City at Yonkers Raceway

Yonkers, NY — Daniel Dube earned his 7,000th career victory Monday night, winning Yonkers Raceway’s $25,000, ninth-race pace with favored Armbro Durable ($3.70).

Sean Hamrock photo

Armbro Durable gave driver Daniel Dube his 7,000th career victory.

It was the fourth win in the last five starts for the 8-year-old son of Blissfull Hall, who paced the mile-and-one-sixteenth in 2:00.3. Josh Green trained for himself and Seafood Delight Stable.

Dube, a Quebec native and New Jersey resident who turns 42 next month, has earned more than $76 million in career purses. He currently ranks fifth in the local seasonal standings with 57 winners.

“It (7,000) means something to me,” Dube, who began driving is in home province in 1987, said.

“I’ve been lucky to drive many good horses, and you just go and try to do your best.”

Dube, best known as the primary driver for two Harness Horses of the Year, Gallo Blue Chip (2000) and Rock N Roll Heaven (2010), was presented with a congratulatory sign in the winner’s circle after his most recent accomplishment.

Next up on the milestone hit parade is Jason Bartlett, who won one race Monday night and now stands at 3,996 for his career.

Also Monday, Yonkers began “upping the ante” to $20,000 (from $15,000) for its guaranteed pool Monday/Tuesday late Pick 4. A total of $22,204 was wagered on that late Pick 4 (which paid $706 on a $2 wager), as opposed to $10,722 wagered on the early Pick 4 (returned $236 on a $2 wager).

Past performances for the guaranteed pool late Pick 4 wager (races 7 through 10) continue to be available at www.yonkersraceway.com(go to the “racing” icon), as well as at www.ustrotting.com. The guaranteed pool is in effect at least through May.

One more wagering note…beginning Friday, Yonkers shall change its schedule of superfectas to races 3, 5, 8 (from 7), 10 and last, provided there are a sufficient number of wagering interests in each race.