As the curtain falls on another thrilling harness racing season, it's time to reflect on the standout performers who have etched their names in the annals of the sport. From the electrifying 2-year-old trotters and pacers to the seasoned veterans, the 2024 campaign has been a true showcase of equine excellence. Join us as we delve into the details and uncover the deserving champions who have captured the hearts and minds of harness racing enthusiasts worldwide.

Unveiling the Titans of the Track: A Comprehensive Guide to the 2024 Champions

2-Year-Old Colt Trotters: The Unstoppable Force

The 2-year-old colt trotting division was dominated by a true phenom, MARYLAND. This colt swept the board, earning a staggering $1,227,695 and tying the fastest 2-year-old trotting record of 1:51.4. From mid-summer onwards, MARYLAND was simply untouchable, securing victories in the prestigious Breeders Crown and the Mohawk Million. His sheer dominance and record-breaking performances have cemented his status as the undisputed champion in this category.

2-Year-Old Filly Trotters: A Fierce Rivalry

The 2-year-old filly trotting division was a closely contested affair, with several standout performers vying for the top honors. Ultimately, CHAMPAGNE PROBLEMS emerged victorious, earning $495,536 and securing the most recent wins. Close contenders included Lady Landia, with earnings of $426,300, and the impressive Monalishi, who amassed $413,280 despite not racing out of Canada.

2-Year-Old Colt Pacers: A Clash of Titans

The 2-year-old colt pacing division saw a fierce battle between LOUPRINT and the Metro winner, Fallout. However, LOUPRINT's impressive earnings of $737,939, making him the highest-earning 2-year-old pacer, tipped the scales in his favor. Honorable mention goes to the record-breaking Sippinonsearoc, who set a new standard with a blistering 1:48.2 mile.

2-Year-Old Filly Pacers: A Dominant Performance

In the 2-year-old filly pacing category, CHANTILLY stood out as the clear champion. Although she didn't race in the Breeders Crown and her earnings of $560,315 were not the highest, her undefeated nine-race campaign and sheer dominance on the track were undeniable. The highest-earning 2-year-old filly, Miki And Minnie, earned $671,750, but CHANTILLY's exceptional performances left no doubt about her deserved title.

3-Year-Old Colt Trotters: A Clash of Titans

The 3-year-old colt trotting division saw a close battle between SIG SAUER and Karl, the Hambletonian winner. SIG SAUER's victories in the Breeders Crown and the Kentucky Futurity ultimately tipped the scales in his favor, despite the respect and admiration for Karl's early-season dominance.

3-Year-Old Filly Trotters: A Tight Race

The 3-year-old filly trotting category was a closely contested affair between R MELINA and Allegiant. R MELINA's higher earnings of $815,969 and her win in the Kentucky Filly Futurity over Allegiant's $710,902 gave her the edge, though the latter's impressive late-season performances were equally noteworthy.

3-Year-Old Colt Pacers: A Season of Dominance

The 3-year-old colt pacing division saw several standout performers, including NIJINSKY, Captain Albano, Mirage Hanover, and Legendary Hanover. Ultimately, NIJINSKY's consistent excellence, highlighted by his North America Cup victory and overall earnings of $1,142,920, earned him the top spot.

3-Year-Old Filly Pacers: A Clear Champion

In the 3-year-old filly pacing category, MY GIRL EJ reigned supreme. With earnings of $759,643, she not only won the big races but also maintained her competitiveness throughout the entire season. Honorable mentions go to Its a Love Thing ($615,608) and Odds On Platinum ($548,720), but MY GIRL EJ's dominance was undisputed.

Older Male Trotters: A Tight Race at the Top

The older male trotting division saw a close battle between WINNER'S BET and Periculum. WINNER'S BET's impressive season, which included eight wins in 11 starts and a Breeders Crown victory, earned him $729,254, narrowly edging out Periculum's $741,072 in earnings.

Older Female Trotters: A Flawless Performance

The older female trotting division was a clear-cut case, with JIGGY JOG S emerging as the undisputed champion. This remarkable mare was undefeated in six starts, earning a staggering $934,188 and dominating the prestigious Yonkers International Trot. Her perfection and dominance made her a true standout in the division.

Older Male Pacers: A Model of Consistency

In the older male pacing category, ABUCKABETT HANOVER stood out as the model of consistency. Although not always a winner, he was a constant presence at the top, earning more than any other older pacing male and showcasing his remarkable endurance throughout the season.

Older Female Pacers: A Dominant Performance

The older female pacing division was another clear-cut case, with TWIN B JOE FRESH emerging as the champion. This exceptional mare won 10 of her 12 starts, earning $827,062 and capping off her season with a spectacular Breeders Crown victory. Her season-long dominance and near-perfect record cemented her status as the undisputed leader in this category.

Trotter of the Year: A Flawless Performer

The Trotter of the Year award goes to the undefeated JIGGY JOG S, whose perfect six-for-six season and $934,188 in earnings made her a clear choice. Her sheer dominance and effortless victories, including her triumph in the million-dollar Yonkers International Trot, solidified her position as the top trotter of the year.

Pacer of the Year: A Season of Endurance and Dominance

The Pacer of the Year title belongs to TWIN B JOE FRESH, whose remarkable 10-win, 12-start campaign and $827,062 in earnings made her the standout performer in the pacing division. Her consistent excellence and dominant performances throughout the season, culminating in a Breeders Crown victory, cemented her status as the top pacer of the year.

Harness Horse of the Year: A Tough Decision

The Harness Horse of the Year award was a closely contested decision between TWIN B JOE FRESH and JIGGY JOG S. While TWIN B JOE FRESH's season-long endurance and dominance were impressive, JIGGY JOG S's flawless record and higher earnings of $934,188 made a strong case for the top honor. Ultimately, the decision came down to TWIN B JOE FRESH's ability to maintain her excellence from start to finish, earning her the coveted Harness Horse of the Year title.