Washington, PA – Driver Mike Wilder, who had been sidelined since suffering injuries in a June 8 race mishap at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, has returned to racing at The Meadows.

Driver Mike Wilder returned to racing at The Meadows on Friday. Chris Gooden Photos.

Wilder, 52, whose injuries included apparent bruised ribs, had one drive Friday (June 21) and is down for two more Saturday (June 22). All three of those horses are from the Altmeyer Wilder Stable and trained by Dan Altmeyer, Wilder’s father-in-law.

Wilder, who usually has assignments for most races on most cards, said he’s deliberately scheduling his return in phases.

“I want to be at full force when I take other drives,” he said. “That should happen by the end of next week.”

While injuries never are timely, these were particularly inopportune, as Wilder’s push for career win 9,000 — he now stands at 8,993 — had to be put on hold. Wilder is eager for that next milestone.

“I really want to get those seven wins,” he said.