by Evan Pattak, for the Meadows

Washington, PA — Charlie Norris notched career win number 2,000 when he piloted Muscle Source to victory in Monday’s (Oct. 24) second race at The Meadows Racetrack & Casino.

“I don’t drive that much any more, so it feels very good,” Norris said. “It’s a big thing.”

Chris Gooden photo

Charlie Norris is congratulated in the winner’s circle after the 2,000th winning drive of his career.

Norris, 48, a third-generation horseman who followed his grandfather Charlie and father Paul (“Slim”) into the business, began mucking stalls for them at Scioto Downs near their Columbus home when he was 9 and started jogging their stock shortly thereafter.

Today, he trains a stable of about 40 horses at The Meadows, sending a fair number of them on the Grand Circuit. His son Chaz has extended the family presence in harness racing, working as second trainer for Jason Robinson.

“Chaz was here for my 1,000th win,” Norris said. “He told me there was no way he would miss my 2,000th.”

Among his career highlights are his winning drive with Coulantine in the 2005 Moni Maker and his third-place finish as a trainer with Mac’s Crown K in the 2003 Hambletonian.

Norris started work on his next 1,000 wins when he guided Caviar Forthe Lady to an easy score in Monday’s $22,500 Filly & Mare Preferred Trot.

He’s also nearing a coveted career “double” — 2,000 driving wins, 1,000 training wins.

“If you can make a living doing what you love, it’s unbelievable,” he said. “I’ve been very fortunate in that regard.”