Following a stellar year in 2023, driver Kyle Wilfong made history in 2024 when he won his 2,000th race at Harrah's Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Saturday, April 27.
Entering the Saturday card just one win away from the milestone, Wilfong led his father, Brett Wilfong, to victory with Late Nite Hawk.
Wilfong started from post three and was on a mission. He quickly overtook Late Nite Hawk in the field of Open 2/Open 3 trotters with a first-quarter time of :28.3. Before Wilfong started looking for separation as they approached the far bend, Late Nite Hawk had things under control at the halfway mark in :57. As Wilfong urged Late Nite Hawk to counter and quicken, Southwind Cherry and Tyler Smith were the first to engage Late Nite Hawk, arriving at the leader's wheel at three-quarters in 1:25.2. Southwind Cherry made a dangerous move in the last quarter, but Late Nite Hawk would not be defeated. With a final-quarter time of :27.4, she secured the victory in 1:53.1.
In 2023, the Illinois native, achieved a remarkable feat as he led 197 horses to victory and earned $3.5 million in earnings. The $310,000 Dan Patch Stakes victory aboard Ponda Warrior for trainer Jay Hochstetler in 1:48.1 was the highlight of 2023. For the majority of the 2023 season, Wilfong and Hofstetler proved to be a formidable combination. Wilfong also rode Ponda Title the whole time, earning $483,420 in earnings, which were topped off with an Indiana Sire Stakes Super Final triumph. At Harrah's Hoosier Park, Wilfong finished the 2023 racing season third in the driver standings, behind only Trace Tetrick and John De Long. The 33-year-old Illinois native has driven 16,218 times in his career, earning nearly $18.5 million in earnings.
Wilfong maintained his 2023 form into 2024, and as of right now, he leads the drivers' rankings at Harrah's Hoosier Park. Through the first three races of the racing season, Wilfong has guided 32 victors. Marvin Luna, 22, is in second place with 30, and John De Long rounds out the podium with 26.
On Wednesday, May 1, live racing will return at Harrah's Hoosier Park Racing & Casino. A 14-race schedule is scheduled to begin at 6:15 p.m. On Saturday, May 4, Kentucky Derby Day, Harrah's Hoosier Park will also have an early post time. A 12-race card will start at 4:00 p.m., accompanied by a number of derby-related events and promotions.