News

October 28, 2015

Two Drivers Reach Historic 5,000 Wins at Saratoga Casino and Raceway

History was made at Saratoga Casino and Raceway as two horsemen achieved the same major career milestone during one evening of racing. Both Frank Coppola Jr. and Mark Beckwith reached 5,000 career wins during Thursday evening’s race card. It marked the first time in the history of harness racing that two drivers achieved 5,000 wins at the same track on the same day.

Frank Coppola Jr. reached 5,000 during the 3rd race of the night, piloting claiming trotter Diamond Tough to victory. Soon after, Mark Beckwith followed up with his 5,000th win during the evening’s 8th race, driving the young trotter, Jericho.

“This was a historic day for Saratoga Harness racing,” said John Mattarazzo, Director of Racing Operations at Saratoga Casino and Raceway. “5,000 wins is an amazing feat for any driver, but for both Frank and Mark to reach it on the same night at the same track is truly unprecedented. We congratulate them both on such a major accomplishment and wish them continued success with us here at Saratoga.”

Frank Coppola Jr. ran his first race at Saratoga while he was still a junior in high school during the 70s. Since then, Coppola Jr. has become the second winningest driver in the history of Saratoga Harness. Over 4,800 of his career wins came at the Spa.

”Getting to my 5,000th win has always been a goal of mine,” said Frank Coppola Jr. “I’m happy to have done it here at Saratoga with family and friends around me to help celebrate.”

Like Coppola Jr., Mark Beckwith also comes from a family of harness racers. Beckwith won his first race in 1983 and has many victories at many different tracks. He first came to Saratoga in 2008 and has since been among the top drivers each year.

“I have been blessed health wise, and I’ve had a lot of good people supporting me throughout the years,” said Mark Beckwith. “My father gave me a strong foundation and a good work ethic.”

Racing resumes Friday at Saratoga Casino and Raceway with the first post set for 6:45pm. For more information and a complete racing schedule, visit http://saratogacasino.com/Racing.aspx.