by Tammy Knox, publicity director, Hoosier Park

Anderson, IN — Rick Farrington reached an important milestone in his career on Tuesday (May 26) at Hoosier Park, winning the last race of the evening and scoring his 1,000th career win in the process. Farrington guided Gimme A Big Hug to the winner’s circle for the accomplishment. Brian Elmore, director of racing operations, was on hand to congratulate Farrington following the win.

Linscott Photography

Brian Elmore, Hoosier Park’s director of racing operations, congratulates Rick Farrington following his milestone win.

Starting from post one, Farrington was in no hurry to blast out of the gate and sat patiently as others rolled out for the top spot as the first fraction of :27.2 was posted on the board. Heading to the halfway point, Farrington had Gimme A Big Hug out and moving, taking charge by the halfway point in :56.2. The 6-year-old Real Artist horse continued to lead the way around the far turn and looked to be in prime shape as the stretch drive began.

In the stretch, Farrington had a jump on the field with Gimme A Big Hug and kept distance between him and the pack behind him. However, Frankthebank and driver Andy Shetler had one final surge and began to close in on the leaders in the last sixteenth of the mile. In the end, Gimme A Big Hug held on by a neck and picked up his first win of 2009 in a time of 1:53.3. Perfect Door and Brad Hanners finished third.

“It’s a nice feeling to win my 1,000th,” said Farrington. “I couldn’t have won it for a better trainer, either.”

Gimme A Big Hug is trained by Mike Weller and owned by Paul McConville. The veteran racehorse now has 11 career wins and earnings of nearly $60,000.

Farrington has been in Indiana for the past three seasons. Prior to his move to the Midwest, he competed on the New York and New Jersey circuit, where he found success as a top 10 driver at tracks such as Yonkers Raceway. Following an injury that sidelined him for nearly a year with a severely broken leg that required surgery, Farrington decided to relocate to Indiana in his quest back to driving horses. In addition to catch driving, the 44-year-old reinsman has a small stable of horses in training at LJ Stone’s farm in Muncie, Ind.

Farrington grew up in the business under the direction of his father, Dick, and mother, Dorothy, who produced several top horses from their stable, including Warm Breeze, Solid Fuel, and standout pacing filly Tender Loving Care during her 2-year-old year. Dick was also the driver and trainer of the famous grey Standardbred Laag, who recorded the fastest dead heat in history with Jaguar Spur in 1988 at The Red Mile in a time of 1:51.2. Laag went on to become a solid sire and his grey coloring is still prevalent in numerous horses still racing today.

Farrington’s uncle, Bob, has also seen national success in harness racing. He is best known for his work with standout pacer Rambling Willie, winner of more than $2 million during his career.