When trainer Joe Minieri sent out 196 winners in 1996 at Monticello Raceway, he dreamed that one day he would hit the 200-victory mark.

Yesterday at Monticello, that dream was realized as M L Watson won the fifth race for driver Chris Long, giving Minieri his 200th winner of the year.

“At my age, it would be hard to do it again,” said Minieri, “so to me it’s like winning the Hambletonian.”

One of the most dominant trainers in harness racing, Minieri takes little credit for his success.

“It couldn’t be done without the tremendous support of the owners who entrust their horses to me, and conscientious grooms who work hard to keep our horses in top form,” he said.