Photo by Dean Gillette
Jordan Ross hits 1,000 wins
Jordan Ross has turned his young career into an impressive one. The Tennessee native added another milestone to his career Thursday, July 16, winning his 1,000th race behind Tipsy in Vegas in the $15,000 Indiana Sires Stakes Eligibles event at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.
Ross had the inside and moved right out for an early lead before being overtaken at the quarter by Ponda Avenue and Marcus Miller in a time of :28.3. Tipsy in Vegas was right back out and rolling to the lead, settling in before the half in 1:00.0. From there, Ross let the trotter out a notch and he moved away from the field. He trotted the final quarter in :27.2 well under wraps for the win in 1:57.1. Ponda Avenue finished second over I’m Tempted and Atlee Bender.
Tipsy in Vegas paid $8.80 for the win. The freshman son of Helpisontheway is owned and trained by Missy Essig. Brookside Stables bred the gelding, who is now two for two in his brief career. His win Thursday was a new lifetime mark alongside Ross’ milestone.
Ross was greeted in the winner’s circle by the Essig Stable and family and friends holding up numerous signs to celebrate the occasion. Ross continues to be among the track’s top five drivers. He earned a win later in the night to begin working on his next 1,000th win, which was his 100th win of the meet.
Ross is one of five drivers already over the $1 million mark for earnings at Harrah’s Hoosier Park this year. It’s his fifth straight year with seven figures in earnings. The 28-year-old reinsman began his driving career in 2015 with a handful of drives and won three of five races in 2016 on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit for Robert Taylor, who has mentored him into his career. Ross’ first full year of driving was in 2017.
