Trace Tetrick and Jeff Cullipher topped the standings once again in 2018 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park to earn the titles in driving and training, respectively. Tetrick won his fifth consecutive title overall while Cullipher won his second straight title at the conclusion of the meet Saturday, Nov. 10.
Scott Peine, director of racing (left) and Rick Moore, vice president and general manager of racing (right) make the trophy presentation to Trace Tetrick for leading driver in 2018. (Photo by Linscott Photography)
Tetrick, a native of Geff, Ill., completed the season with 309 victories and more than $3.7 million in purses. He is the all-time leading driver at Harrah’s Hoosier Park and ranked seventh in North America this season in wins. He currently has 470 wins and in excess of $5.5 million for 2018.
“I want to thank the owners, trainers, and grooms who put me in the position where I can do well every night,” said Tetrick through a Hoosier Park press release. “Without them I wouldn’t be standing here today. I am going to take a few weeks off and enjoy this and then will most likely be racing in Ohio for a few nights a week during the off season. The support of my family and friends has been great. I really appreciate the opportunity to show up every night and do what I love.”
Sam Widger finished second in the standings at Harrah’s Hoosier Park with 259 victories while John DeLong was third with 248 wins.
On the training side, Cullipher earned his second consecutive title in Indiana, scoring 119 victories during the 160-night meet. Cullipher’s horses accumulated in excess of $1.3 million in purses.
In a press release from Harrah’s Hoosier Park, Cullipher stated, “It really is a team effort. It’s a lot of hard work but I’ve got a great team and some great owners who helped make this possible. Owners like Tom Pollack have been a dream come true for a guy like me—it’s an honor to have the caliber of horses I’ve been able to train all season. We are going to take a little bit of time off. We will keep a stable here in Indiana for the winter and we are also looking to have a stable in New Jersey starting in December so next year will be exciting.”
Rick Moore, vice president and general manager of racing (left) is joined by Peter Lurie, nationally known on-air racing analyst, for the trophy presentation to Jeff Cullipher, 2018 leading trainer at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. (Photo by Linscott Photography)
A native of Henderson, Ky. and the son of accomplished trainer Roger Cullipher, the younger Cullipher competed at Hoosier Park during the first decade of racing before leaving the area and the business for several years. Cullipher returned in 2013 and has catapulted to national prominence. Cullipher is currently ranked 24th for wins among all trainers in North America.
Jamie Macomber, who tied with Cullipher in 2017 for the training title, finished second with 116 wins while Shane Bowermaster, trainer for Brian Brown finished in third with 56 wins, just one ahead of Tyler George who finished fourth with 55 wins for the meet.
The top horse of the meet came from George’s barn as Always A Prince topped the standings, earning 18 wins in 20 starts with purses in excess of $485,000. Custom Cantab, trained by Chris Beaver, was ranked second on the list of winning horses for 2018 with 12 wins in 16 starts and more than $429,000 in purses. The Cullipher-trained Invitational pacer Endeavor was third with 11 wins in 16 starts.