by Shawn Wiles, for Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Often when drivers are on the brink of a dash milestone, they experience a drought. This was the case with Bruce Aldrich Jr.

After going nearly a week without a win at Monticello Raceway, the drought was extinguished on Tuesday (Sept. 19) as Bruce caught fire early on the card and won two New York Sire Stakes Excelsior B events at Monticello.

Geri Schwarz photo

Bruce Aldrich Jr. celebrated when he hit the finish line for career win No. 7,000.

The wildfire continued Wednesday (Sept. 20) at Monticello as he won five races on the card. Aldrich scored with Hay There Harrison ($2.60), Song Of The Valley ($3.90), Heza Swan ($18.60) and Roundtown Rocker ($7.70), but his best win of the day came with Ulshootureyeoutkid, as that win elevated Aldrich as the newest member of the elite 7,000-win club.

Bruce wasted no time in notching his next milestone and came right back to win the following race with Roundtown Rocker for his fifth win of the day.

After dismounting the bike and was approaching the winner’s circle, a moved Aldrich said, “I’m so happy, I’m so happy.” Aldrich was greeted in the winner’s circle by a large crowd of fellow drivers, trainers and well-wishers.

Aldrich, a long time mainstay at Monticello Raceway, where he has enjoyed much success over the years as he cut his teeth and honed his skills, is a former multiple leading dash winner at this track.

Ulshootureyeoutkid is trained by Anthony Regina and is owned by James Cosenza. The bay gelding by Allamerican Native toured the mile in 1:56.4 and paid $14.00 to win for his second win of the year.

Aldrich is having a career best year as he is tied for seventh in North America for dash wins with 378. He has career earnings of $26,590,900. Bruce is the third leading driver at Monticello Raceway in 2017 with 178 wins.