David "Dave" Palone (born November 21, 1958) is an American harness racing driver who is widely recognized as one of the most successful competitors in the sport’s modern era. He began his professional driving career in 1976 and quickly established a reputation for consistent high performance on both standardbred pacers and trotters.
Career Highlights
- All‑time Wins: Palone surpassed the previous record holder, Hervé Filion, to become the driver with the most career wins in harness racing history, exceeding 30,000 victories.
- Annual Win Records: He has repeatedly set annual win totals that rank among the highest in the sport, including a season in which he recorded more than 1,300 wins.
- Championships: Palone has finished as the leading driver in North American standings multiple times, earning the Driver of the Year title on several occasions.
- Major Stakes Victories: His notable wins include prestigious events such as the Hambletonian Stakes, the Meadowlands Pace, and the Kentucky Futurity, among others.
- Hall of Fame: In recognition of his contributions and achievements, Palone was inducted into the Harness Racing Hall of Fame in 2014.
Personal Background
Born in McLean, Virginia, Palone grew up in a family with connections to horse racing, which facilitated his early exposure to the sport. He has been affiliated with a number of prominent owners and trainers throughout his career and is known for his skill in handling a wide variety of horses across different track conditions.
Legacy
Dave Palone’s longevity, high win percentage, and record‑setting performances have cemented his status as a seminal figure in harness racing. His accomplishments have contributed to the sport’s popularity and have set performance benchmarks for future generations of drivers.