Michael Sweeney for Scarborough Downs

Scarborough, Maine – Gary Mosher became the latest member of harness racing’s 5000 win club on Friday (November 21) as he aggressively guided Madeithappenagain around the Scarborough Downs oval to reach the prestigious plateau.

Gary Mosher raises his fist in triumph after recording his 5000th career driving win aboard Madeithappenagain at Scarborough Downs on Friday – Derek Davis photo.

     Mosher sat well off the pace through the early furlongs before quickly picking off the leaders as he steered three-wide around the three-quarter mile marker. A spirited stretch drive enabled Mosher to rally past the front-running Cheyenne Max (Mark Athearn) before cruising to the wire 2-1/2 lengths the best to secure the landmark win.

     “I can’t help but remember all the people who helped me reach this point” a visibly emotional Gary Mosher remarked following the race, “My family who have always been supportive of me; my grandparents especially. They’re no longer with us but they were the ones who got me involved in harness racing and fostered my love of the sport. I hope they were looking down on us today.”

     Mosher began his career in Maine back in the mid 1970’s, gaining his first pari-mutuel win behind the pacer Mutiny Brook at the Skowhegan State Fair.

     He went on to become a major player at Yonkers Raceway in the decade of the 1980’s winning driving titles at the Hilltop oval while amassing over $21 million in New York purses and over 3200 metropolitan wins. While most of his winner circle photos were posed for at Yonkers, Mosher has never regretted his decision to return home to his native state and is thankful that he recorded his milestone win before the hometown fans at Scarborough Downs.

     “I’ve raced under the bright lights at Yonkers and along the harness circuit here in Maine” Mosher mused, “And while both have their merits the opportunity to race at home, in front of old friends, is a pretty special thing.”

     Those old friends streamed out of the paddock and grandstand on Friday to join Mosher in the winner’s circle following his 5000^th win.

      “Elmer Ballard was there” Mosher continued “He’s been there for me since my very first drive. I was just a skinny kid getting my first qualifying drive and needed a set of colors. My grandfather’s were too small for me to fit into so Elmer loaned me his. Now, 5000 wins later he’s still there, getting his picture taken with me on this special day. It means a lot to celebrate with people like him.”

     Gary Mosher, the man in the familiar green and red colors, now becomes the seventh state of Maine native to earn the right to be called Mr. 5000. He joins Walter Case, Jr. (11,029), Billy Parker, Jr. (9491), Leigh Fitch (7402), Bruce Ranger (7335), David Ingraham (5869) and Ted Wing (5120).

     Scarborough Downs proudly features live harness racing every Friday through Sunday with first post time scheduled for 12:30 pm (EST).