By Darin Gagne, for Running Aces Casino, Hotel and Racetrack
June 29, 2022
Driver Dean Magee notched his 5,000th career win on Tuesday (June 28) at Running Aces. milestone victory was extra special for Magee and his family as the momentous win came aboard Just B Talking, a horse that is owned by his son Taylor Magee along with Taylor’s girlfriend Hannah Larson.
Dean also trains the seven year old son of Sneaky B Skipalong and they have been enjoying great success with the pacer this season.
Magee, who hails from Pulaski, Wisconsin which is near Green Bay, grew up as part of a big Harness Racing family. He has been driving since 1981 and was a regular on the Chicago circuit during the 1980’s, 90’s and 2000’s. His most prolific year was 1990, when he posted 321 wins and 823 top-three finishes from 1,596 starts. His biggest year in purses was 2001 with over $1.8 million, and he has driven the winners of more than $31 million to date.
Dean has been among the top drivers every year at Running Aces since 2010, and he has captured the local driving title three times. He currently sits third in the dash-winning standings with 30 wins and is just two wins out of first place. He currently sports the highest winning percentage among drivers with more than ten starts at 20.55 percent.
Magee was recently interviewed for the racing program ‘Spotlight page’ and when asked what his favorite horse or favorite win was over his long career, Magee replied: “There have been so many good horses and big wins over the years, but if I have to pick one, I would have to say Yankee Cruiser”. Magee piloted him to a dramatic, come from behind win in the 2003 North America Cup in Toronto, Canada which is one of the biggest events in harness racing for sophomore pacers.
Magee also recently shared that he cherishes his friends and family and enjoys spending time with them more than anything else. Last night in the winner’s circle was a testament to that as family members and horsemen joined Dean in the winner’s circle to celebrate his milestone win.
The big win came in race three on the Tuesday card, a claiming handicap event with a purse of $7,500.
Magee had the inside post with his horse and was sent off as the 6-5 favorite and left alertly along with Deweydiddonegood (Rick Magee) and Frisky Pedro (Brady Jenson) to get away in third.
Dean sat patiently through the quick early fractions of :27.4 and :56.2 before activating Just B Talking into a first-over attack down the backstretch. Just B Talking then dropped in second around the far turn and as they straightened for home Magee steered him into the center of the track where he wasted no time in going after the leader for a deep stretch battle.
Just B Talking was fastest to the wire for a 1-3/4 length score in a career best 1:54 mile. Artspire (Nick Roland) came charging from the back of the pack to pick up second over Deweydiddonegood.
The exciting victory was also 3 wins in a row for Just B Talking ($4.60). Just three races later, Magee notched win number 5,001 with pacer Mystery Dragon ($3.80) for trainer Rick Bertrand.
Also on Tuesday, $16,500 Open Handicap pace went to A Major Omen ($17.60) for his 8th win in 21 starts this year.
Owner/trainer Gerald Longo was in the bike and got away fourth from post two before moving first over down the backside and challenging for the front. In the lane there were five horses in contention and A Major Omen was able to surge in the final strides for a half-length tally over Saddle Up (Luke Plano) and SB Bodacious (Rick Magee) in the 1:53.1 mile.
The $13,000 Open II pace went to Zanetti (Nick Roland) who prevailed by a head in a four horse win photo in 1:54.2 for his 15th career win. Bombay Hanover (Plano) was home second just ahead of Numbered Account (Dean Magee). Zanetti ($12.00) is owned and trained by Mikaela Delgiudice.
Racing returns to Running Aces on Thursday night. Post time is 7:00PM CT.
