Trainer James Compton Earns Milestone 1,000th Win
Image:
Description:
Photo: Patty Jo Braden Photography
Trainer Jim Compton, holding a cake, in the Fonner Park winner's circle with Rulethenight
Nebraska-based trainer James R. Compton won his 1,000th race March 24 when Rulethenight pulled clear in a six-furlong claiming event at Fonner Park. The 6-year-old gelding came from off the pace with jockey Chris Fackler aboard to win by 3 1/2 lengths.
Compton has sent out 5,443 starters as of March 25 since his first career start in 1977. In addition to 1,000 wins, Compton's horses have run second 883 times and placed third in 828 races. He has won four of 15 races this season at Fonner Park in Grand Island, Neb., with five third-place finishers. His career earnings total $3,842,915.
A son of Native Ruler, Rulethenight was bred in Iowa by Maggi Moss and is campaigned by the Walter A. Meyer Revocable Trust. The gelding has earned $42,788 from a 5-5-7 record in 29 starts.
Compton campaigned two of his biggest runners himself for the last part of their racing careers. Won Fancy Dancer, a Yankee Fan gelding who won 21 of 117 starts, earned a total of $120,593, of which $76,912 was with Compton. Rarely Caught won $98,917 while in training with Compton and has made the most of any horse in his care so far. The Texas-bred, Rare Brick mare won 18 of 72 career starts for total earnings of $102,371.