Trainer Ness Records His 2,000th Victory

Trainer Jamie Ness collected his 2,000th career victory when Caylee's Song won the second race at Laurel Park Nov. 28 .

Jockey Victor Carassco rode the 6-year-old gelding, who is owned by Midwest Thoroughbreds.

Ness, 39, watched the race from Tampa, Fla., where he spent Thanksgiving with his family. Ness has won the training title the past six years at Tampa Bay Downs and will be there again when the meet begins in early December.

"I felt pretty good about reaching the milestone today," Ness told Maryland Jockey Club officials. "It just seems like yesterday I won my 1,000th race. The last 1,000 came pretty fast. I am happy for my staff and my owner (Midwest Thoroughbreds)."

Ness won his first race with Blue Rocket at Canterbury Park Aug. 21, 1999, and had 230 victories through 2006. Since 2009 his runners have visited the winners' circle nearly 1,500 times.

"I took my bumps and bruises the first few years and just tried to learn how to do things right," Ness said. "I made a lot of mistakes, and every time I did, I tried not to do it again. With experience you get better just like any business. We started to get better and better each year. The last few years we have stayed consistent and that is what I am most proud of."

Ness said he purchased a house in Maryland and plans to split his time between Tampa Bay Downs and Laurel through the winter.