by Joe Faraldo, for SOA of NY

Yonkers, NY — On a very cold and windy Friday (Feb. 2), SOA of NY President Joe Faraldo proudly presented both Rich Banca and Jason Bartlett with their awards as the leading trainer and driver for 2017 at Yonkers Raceway.

Photo courtesy of Joe Faraldo

Banca and Bartlett are presented with their awards as the leading trainer and driver at Yonkers Raceway in 2017.

The 42-year-old Banca has been coasting at around a 300 UTRS over the past two years and has seen has entries bank nearly $4.2 million in earnings for his owners in 2017, up from the $2.8 million he garnered in 2016.

Banca was able to recognize and wisely utilize the talents of the 36-year-old Maine native and leading driver Jason Bartlett to accomplish this feat

Bartlett has a UDRS average of nearly 350 over much of his career. His earnings also took a step up, topping $11.7 million last year up from $9.1 million in the prior year.

Both are at the top of their game at Yonkers Raceway having adjusted to a number of racing innovations over the years.

Both Banca and Bartlett are expected to continue their winning ways for years to come but will face stiff opposition from the many talented trainers and drivers competing at the Hilltop Oval.