from the USTA Communications Department

Northfield, OH — Driver Kurt Sugg won his 2,000th career race on Tuesday night (April 17) at Northfield Park.

The 42-year-old Ohio native entered Tuesday needing two wins to reach the career milestone. He posted win number 1,999 in the third race with Two Willow Mcardie for trainer Ron Steck in a time of 1:59.4.

Jeff Zamaiko photo

Kurt Sugg won career race number 2,000 with R U A Looker.

After going winless in his next six drives (although posting three second-place finishes), Sugg reached the winner’s circle for the milestone triumph in the 12th race of the night with R U A Looker in a time of 2:01.4. The Ilooklikemymom gelding is also trained and co-owned by Sugg. Paul Troyer shares ownership of the 10-year-old, who posted his 49th career score.

Sugg remembers his first win behind Mountain Director at the Hancock County Fair in Findlay, Ohio, when he was a mere 16 years old. He started driving in 1986 and the 2,000th win increased his driver purse earnings to in excess of $8 million.

Sugg’s richest win came in 2006 when he drove Dunkster to victory in the $105,000 Dygert at Hawthorne. His fastest win was timed in 1:52.1 aboard Gordie How at The Delaware County Fair.

“I am really happy to have reached 2,000 wins, and it feels really good to have done it with my own horse,” said Sugg.

To read an interview with Sugg, conducted by Ken Weingartner of Harness Racing Communications on Tuesday morning, prior to Sugg’s milestone win, click here.

— Ayers Ratliff also contributed to this report