Monticello, NY — Longtime Monticello Raceway horseman John DeSimone Jr. notched his 2,000th career driving win in the second race at the Catskill oval on Monday afternoon (July 8).

Horsemen gathered in the Monticello winner’s circle to honor John DeSimone Jr. after his 2,000th career driving win. Geri Schwarz photo.

The milestone win came aboard Get The Look, who scored in 1:59.3. The 9-year-old Cam’s Card Shark mare, also trained by DeSimone, picked up her first win of the season for owner Dr. Joshua Tanis of Tallahassee, Fla.

DeSimone, who hails from a family with a long and rich tradition at Monticello Raceway, has been a fixture in the Monticello barn area and driving colony for over 40 years. The blue-collar journeyman has primarily competed close to home, driving at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono and Yonkers Raceway in addition to Monticello.

The 60-year-old DeSimone is currently sixth in the Monticello driver standings with 54 wins.