Bruce Aldrich Jr, gets Win # 9000

February 25, 2026

Story by: Shawn Wiles
Photo Credit: MJBL Photography

On Monday February 25, the aptly named Win And Dream gave Bruce Aldrich Jr. his 9,000 win, the winner is trained and owned by Steven Ray of New Berlin, NY, the 8 YO gelding won in 2:01.3 – $17.80.

Born into a family of rich New England Harness Racing heritage, his father Basil Aldrich has been competing long before the USTA even began record keeping. With Bruce being indoctrinated at an early age, it didn’t take long before Bruce got the Harness Racing Itch and started his own career.

His first year of racing was 1985, finishing third in his only start, gradually from there he continued his journey. In a short span of 5 years he had 189 wins and earnings of $172,803. Bruce has been a mainstay at Monticello Raceway for nearly decades, the 57 year old Aldrich is a 6 time Leading Dash winning Driver at Monticello Raceway. In his career he has been behind the starting gate 53,666 times, 7,993 pace finishes and 7,179 times finishing third, with career earnings of $37,250,000. He has earned over a Million per year in purses an amazing 17 times thus far in his career. His best year was 2015 663 wins and $3,361,218 in purse earnings.

In his 41 year career, Bruce has driven many horses, one that stick outs for him was Royal Heart, who set a World Record at Saratoga that was broken by Wiggle It Jiggle it. Royal Heart also paced one of the fastest miles ever at Monticello Raceway of 1:51.4.

Following the epic win, Bruce was greeted in the Winners Circle by friends and drivers, Bruce wasted no time in his quest for his 10,000 win, scoring with Kenobi, just 2 races later.