Northfield, OH — Chris Lems made his 2,000th trip to the winner’s circle after winning with Hot Shot Hill in Northfield Park’s 15th race on Friday (Aug. 28).

Chris Lems made his 2,000th trip to the winner’s circle after winning with Hot Shot Hill in Northfield Park’s 15th race. JJ Zamaiko photo.

Lems was second-over and swooped three-wide in the backstretch, drawing away by 6-3/4 lengths at the wire. The 1:55 clocking was the 22nd career score for the 7-year-old pacer, who returned $22.20 to win.

The 33-year-old Lems began driving in 2003. His 2,000 wins have helped him garner more than $14.5 million in purse earnings.

He drove his first race on July 4, 2003 at the Canon Fair. It resulted in a third-place finish in a $2,000 conditioned race with Beyond Bold. Later that month he won the first race of his career at the Oskaloosa Fair, again aboard Beyond Bold, this time for an $850 purse in 2:12.

Lems primarily raced in New York for most of his career but moved his talents to Ohio in 2017.

He feels fortunate to have had good stock to drive in his career and says that winning races is a team effort.

“There have been many people that have given me opportunities and I thank them all,” offered Lems. “Many owners and trainers have given me opportunities and I appreciate it so much.”