by Ken Weingartner, Harness Racing Communications
Washington, PA — Ron Burke became the first harness racing trainer in history to win 1,000 races in a year when Magic Starlight was victorious in the eighth race Friday at The Meadows.
![](http://ustrottingnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/56785-BurkeRon-EHK_8748st.jpg)
USTA/AEd Keys photo
Ron Burke has set records for both wins and earnings by a harness racing trainer in 2013.
Dave Palone drove Magic Starlight, who won by 4-1/4 lengths over stablemate Darena Hanover in 1:53 in the $18,000 Fillies and Mares Preferred.
Burke owns Magic Starlight with Mark Weaver, Mike Bruscemi and Phil Collura. The 4-year-old Magic Starlight has won seven of 21 starts and $104,585 this year.
Last year, Burke’s stable won a record 906 races, breaking his own mark of 842 set in 2010.
Earlier this month, Burke became the first trainer to surpass $20 million in purses in a year when For All We Know finished third at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. Burke, who now has $20.36 million in earnings this season, set the previous record of $19.69 million in 2012.
Less than 40 minutes after Magic Starlight’s win, Lucky House won for Burke at Harrah’s Philadelphia, giving the trainer victory No. 1,001 for the campaign.
- Burke becomes first trainer with $20 million season (Wednesday, November 13, 2013)
Horses trained by Ron Burke, North America’s leading conditioner, surpassed the $20 million mark in 2013 earnings on Wednesday when For All We Know picked up the third place check in a $14,000 mares claiming handicap pace at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.
- Plenty of work still to be done for Burke Stable (Monday, November 25, 2013)
Ron Burke has reached his goals for 2013, but he is not finished working.