October 23, 2023
By Woodbine Communications
MILTON, October 23, 2023 – Sylvain Filion became the first Canadian-based driver in harness racing history to reach 10,000 career wins on Monday evening at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Filion, 54, entered Monday’s card just a win shy of the major milestone and wasted little time in enjoying the moment by winning the evening’s first-race.
Filion and two-year-old pacing filly One More Bet (trained by Jean Tourigny) won a Harvest Series first leg division by five-lengths in 1:52.3 at odds of 3-1.
The victory makes Filion the 23rd driver in North America to reach 10,000 wins. Although multiple Canadian-born drivers have reached 10,000 wins, Filion is the first driver exclusively based in Canada to reach the milestone.
“I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would ever even come close to achieving what I did,” said Filion, who recalled his first driving win. “Supreme Jade in Ottawa at Rideau Carleton that was my first win (in 1987), it was just an overnight, it’s a while ago.”
Born in Angers, Quebec, Filion began his driving career in 1987 and worked his way to the top of the Quebec racing scene for many years. Filion tried the Woodbine circuit for a brief period in the late-1990’s and then returned permanently to the nation’s top circuit in 2008.
Filion’s career accomplishments include winning the 1999 World Driving Championship, four O’Brien Awards as Canada’s Driver of the Year (2012, 2013, 2015, 2016) and multiple Woodbine driving titles.
While reflecting on the milestone victory, Filion took a moment to chuckle at what the future might have in store.
“10,000 is pretty nice, but the next 10,000 might be a little trickier.”
Sylvain becomes the second Filion to join the 10,000-win club, as his legendary uncle, Herve, finished his remarkable career with 15,138 victories.
Filion has shown no signs of slowing down in recent years. The veteran reinsman has already surpassed $5 million in seasonal earnings for the fifth consecutive year and 13th time overall. He also sits in the top-five for wins this season at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
The career numbers for Filion now read 10,000 wins and over $138 million in earnings.
Sylvain Filion receives a sign of congratulations from Bill McLinchey, Vice-President of Standardbred Racing, following his 10,000th career win. (New Image Media).
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