by Mike Sardella, for Saratoga Raceway

Saratoga Springs, NY — Driver Mark Beckwith joined elite company on Thursday night (May 21) as he recorded his 4,000th driving win on the evening program at Saratoga.

Dave Oxford photo

Mark Beckwith won his 4,000th race with Windy City Paige on Thursday at Saratoga.

Beckwith registered the win with claiming pacer Windy City Paige who sat the pocket before pouncing on the leader in the stretch.

The 43-year-old Beckwith came to Saratoga full time in 2008 and is currently fifth in the driver standings this season. Beckwith was recognized in the winner’s circle after the race with a sign commemorating the historic win. Beckwith was joined by friends and family in the winner’s circle.

Beckwith started the trek towards 5,000 later in the card as he piloted two more winners on the program and ended the evening with a hearty 4,002 wins.

He was joined on the night by the meet’s leading driver Frank Coppola, Jr., who also recorded three wins on the card. Coppola joined the 4,000 win club last fall at Saratoga as did Dan Cappello, Jr., currently second in the driver standings.

Next to join the historic club will be John Stark, Jr. The Saratoga veteran stands just seven wins away from the 4,000 win plateau.

Live harness racing resumes on Friday night at 7:05 p.m.