by Mike Sweeney, for Scarborough Downs

Scarborough, ME — Kevin Switzer Jr. registered a milestone moment at Scarborough Downs on Saturday (Nov. 22) as the man in the blue and black colors scored the 1,500th win of his driving career, behind the front-end speed of the veteran pacer Fulla Fire.

Derek Davis photo

Kevin Switzer Jr. recorded the 1,500th win of his driving career on Saturday at Scarborough Downs.

With 12 days of racing left in the season, Switzer remains the leading dash winner in the state of Maine this year with 369 trips down victory lane, but more impressively, leads all harness drivers in North American with an imposing UDR rating of .413, a full 10 percentage points ahead of Jim Morrill Jr., his closest rival in the standings.

After being feted in the winner’s circle by his family, friends and fellow teamsters, Switzer took time to reflect on his good fortune this year.

“It took a little bit longer to get here than it probably should have but I’m making up for lost time now. Of course, all the credit goes to my family for standing with me day after day, especially my wife and son. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their love and support.

“I also need to thank all the trainers and their owners who have made my job easier by putting me up on some solid horses this year. I remember when I went to Pompano. I went 1-for-70 and I knew I was a better driver than that but when you’ve got no stock you can’t get it done. Having good stock to drive was never a problem this season.”

All along the state of Maine circuit and especially at Scarborough Downs, getting that stock into the winner’s circle has never been a problem for Switzer, either, as he closes out 2014 on a high note, with eyes fully fixed on continued success just beyond the horizon.

Live harness racing is now featured three days a week at Scarborough Downs with first post scheduled at 12:05 p.m. (EST) on Friday through Sunday.

For more information, visit www.ScarboroughDowns.com or our Facebook page.