by Shawn Wiles, for Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Bruce Aldrich Jr. drove his 6,000th winner on Wednesday (Dec. 2) at Monticello Raceway with Unimpeachable.

Geri Schwarz photo

Bruce Aldrich Jr. drove his 6,000th winner on Wednesday at Monticello Raceway with Unimpeachable.

The performance came on a rain soaked day where three drivers had hat tricks. Bruce finished the day with three wins, as did James Devaux and Kyle DiBenedetto, who himself is a dozen wins away from his 6,000th win.

Aldrich started the day by winning the Daily Double, but then DiBenedetto and Devaux went on their own hot streak to keep Aldrich at bay.

After the milestone race, Aldrich was welcomed by many well-wishers in the winner’s circle. When interviewed a jubilant Aldrich said, “I am so happy that I got the win at Monticello Raceway. I have so many fond memories here. I would have been here sooner if I had driven my father’s horse in the fourth race, but I drove another mount and Kyle won with him!”

Bruce Aldrich Jr. has been a longtime regular and favorite at Monticello Raceway. For years he has been driving alongside his idol and mentor, Billy “Zeke” Parker.

Aldrich also has lifetime earnings in excess of $21.8 million.

Unimpeachable came into the race winning her prior two starts. The 2-year-old daughter of Artiscape-Misty Monday is owned and trained by Heidi Garofalo of Cincinnatus, N.Y.