by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows

Washington, PA — On their second annual Night of Champions, The Meadows Racetrack & Casino and the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association honored locally based horsemen Dave Palone and Ron Burke, who have become two of harness racing’s most celebrated champions.

Thomas Allen Pauly, Dave Palone and Ron Burke signed posters for fans at Friday’s Night of Champions at The Meadows.

Burke, the sport’s leading trainer for six consecutive years, in 2014 smashed his own record with more than $28.3 million in earnings.

“It’s pretty well documented that we’re a family operation; I couldn’t do it without any of them,” Burke said. “There’s a whole other crew that we consider just like family. Thank you, and let’s make this year special.”

Palone, a harness Hall of Famer, in 2014 collected career victory 16,754, which made him the world’s winningest harness racing driver. Noted equine artist Thomas Allen Pauly captured that historic moment in a painting; on Friday, he presented the work to Palone.

Palone also accepted congratulations from Pennsylvania Rep. Brandon Neuman; Bill Paulos, principal of Cannery Casino Resorts, which owns The Meadows; and Phil Langley, president of the United States Trotting Association.

Meadows photos

Thomas Allen Pauly (right) presented Dave Palone his painting of Palone’s record-setting victory.

Langley said he hopes to be present for Palone’s 20,000th victory.

When asked about that, Palone smiled but said emphatically, “No shot.” Few in attendance, however, doubted the possibility.

Before the ceremony, fans were able to meet the two champions and take away Palone- and Burke-themed premiums.

The festivities also included presentation of awards to The Meadows’ 2014 equine champions, as voted by MSOA members.

Macharoundtheclock rallies in $15,000 pace

In her characteristic Silky Sullivan fashion, Macharoundtheclock rallied from sixth to capture Friday’s $15,000 Filly & Mare Not Listed Preferred Pace at The Meadows.

Macharoundtheclock followed the live cover of Novascotia Hanover into the final turn, then swung wide for Eric Ledford for the drive. She defeated 51-1 longshot Nutmegs Yankee by a neck in 1:55.1, with Doubelieveinmagic third.

Tim Twaddle trains Macharoundtheclock, a 5-year-old daughter of Mach Three-Summers Soul who now boasts $395,577 in career earnings, for Birnam Wood Farms.

Dave Palone piloted three winners on the 12-race card.