Kakaley Reflects on Pocono Triumphs, Eyes Year-End Milestones

Matt Kakaley secured his third consecutive driving title at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania last week, capping a remarkable season. The 36-year-old driver has set a personal record for purse earnings in 2024, with over $13 million to his name. As the year winds down, Kakaley, currently driving at MGM Yonkers Raceway, remains just 32 wins shy of his career-best total, with aspirations to surpass it by mid-December. 

Reflecting on his achievements, Kakaley described the season as both demanding and rewarding. With nearly 3,000 starts, he credited hard work and persistence for his success, noting how special it felt to clinch his fourth Pocono title—his first dating back to 2011 and now three consecutively. Kakaley is one of only two drivers since 1993 to achieve this streak, alongside George Napolitano Jr. 

Among his standout moments was an underdog victory with Sweet Beach Life, who claimed the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes championship at 49-1 odds. Kakaley also celebrated notable wins beyond Pocono, including the New York Sire Stakes championship and the Aria Invitational Pace with Desperate Man at Yonkers. 

As of Tuesday, Kakaley ranked fifth in North America for wins this year, with 530. He has consistently exceeded 500 wins and $9 million in purse earnings for three consecutive seasons. With Yonkers racing until December 20, Kakaley plans a brief winter break before the 2025 season begins, prioritising family time after a rigorous schedule. “It’s been a long year,” he shared, “but a fulfilling one.”