Trainer Dominic Galluscio posted career victory No. 1,000 Feb. 17 when Discreet Force debuted a neck winner in the seventh race at Aqueduct Racetrack.
Galluscio, 54, was born and raised in the Bronx and won his first race Dec. 17, 1981 with Cher Cheval, also at Aqueduct. He broke through at the stakes level with Lord of the Night, who posted grade III wins at the Big A in the 1989 Aqueduct, Toboggan, and Westchester handicaps.
"It's just as exciting as the first one," said Galluscio of his milestone victory. "The last week I was a little slow, I had some seconds and thirds. I thought I had chances, though; they were properly placed and training good. I didn't realize until I was around 980 and somebody told me, 'You're approaching a thousand.'
"I didn't even realize it was that many until somebody told me, so yeah, it is pretty exciting. (My first winner was) right here at Aqueduct on the inner track in 1981."
Much of Galluscio's success has come with New York-breds. Galluscio won consecutive editions of the Empire Classic in 2006 and 2007, respectively, with Organizer and Dr. V's Magic. He also trained Stormy's Majesty, a New York-bred who stepped into open company to win the 2010 Discovery Handicap (gr. III). Galluscio has won stakes for 2-year-old state-breds with Le Grande Danseur, Hanselina, Trinity Magic, Shane Roars, and Double Mint.
Discreet Force, a first-time starter who was bet down to 6-1 from a morning-line price of 12-1, was off a step slowly and raced in seventh through the opening quarter-mile of the six-furlong race for New York-bred 3-year-old fillies. Angled outside by jockey Cornelio Velasquez midway on the far turn, Discreet Force ranged into contention at the top of the stretch and outfought Ah Gaga in the final stages.
Owned by Francis Paolangeli, Discreet Force is by Discreet Cat and completed the distance in 1:14.52.
Earlier on the card, Galluscio picked up win No. 999 with Bluegrass Rumor in the first race.
Asked if he'll eventually reach the 2,000-win milestone, Galluscio responded, "I think so, if I stay healthy and good and ease up on the cigars."
