by Mark McKelvie, WEG Communications

Toronto, ON –– Sylvain Filion became the newest member of the elite 8,000 win driving club Monday (Nov. 16) night at Woodbine Racetrack.

New Image Media photo

Sylvain Filion is congratulated by Bill McLinchey, Senior Manager of Racing Operations, following his 8,000th career driving victory behind 11-year-old pacer Val America.

Filion entered the evening just two wins shy of the milestone and wasted little time getting to the winner’s circle.

After winning an Autumn Series final in the second-race, Filion recorded the milestone victory in the eighth race behind 11-year-old veteran pacer Val America.

Filion is the 29th driver in North American harness racing history to reach 8,000 wins. The reinsman reached the milestone mark in his 45,020th career drive.

A resident of Milton, Ontario, Filion is currently in the midst of his best season since 2012 with 299 wins on the campaign. He also leads all Canadian drivers in earnings this season with over $4,950,470 million.

The 46-year-old leads all drivers in 2015 on the Woodbine Entertainment circuit with 276 wins and over C$5.6 million in earnings.

The next milestone on the horizon for Filion is the $100 million mark, as his career earnings total currently sits at over $84 million.

The Woodbine Entertainment Group would like to congratulate Sylvain on reaching 8,000 wins.