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

Yonkers, NY — Yonkers Raceway Friday night (May 11) recognized driver Steve Smith for his latest milestone.

Mike Castellano photo

Steve Smith is honored at Yonkers Raceway for his 4,000th victory.

Smith won the 4,000th race of his career last Friday (May 4) at his ‘day job,’ Freehold Raceway. He then moved toward the next plateau, upsetting Saturday afternoon’s (May 5) $66,400 Lady Suffolk for 3-year-old trotting fillies with 21-1 longshot Special Miss.

The affable 56-year-old Smith, a native of Boston, has been a New York/New Jersey area standout seemingly forever. He has accumulated seven-figure purse seasons every year since 2000, with a career total of more than $35 million.

“I’m not a numbers guy, but I appreciate it” Smith said. “Just keep grinding away.”

Smith’s obligatory sign of congratulations was presented by Fred Opper, the Raceway’s long-time publicity department icon and crack statistician.