Harness racing witnessed an unprecedented year as Twin B Joe Fresh claimed the coveted Horse of the Year title, while Jiggy Jog S secured Trotter of the Year. The U.S. Harness Writers Association’s Dan Patch Awards, presented by Caesars Entertainment, celebrated these exceptional mares before a crowd of 300 at Rosen Centre.

Era of Dominance: A New Chapter in Harness Racing History

Achieving Milestones: Twin B Joe Fresh's Remarkable Journey

The Chris Ryder-trained mare, Twin B Joe Fresh, etched her name in history with an unparalleled season. She achieved a perfect record of 10 wins out of 10 starts in stakes or invitational finals, culminating in the Horse of the Year accolade. This honor was bestowed upon her based on 126 of the 142 returned ballots. Her victories included prestigious races such as the Breeders Crown Mare Pace, Dayton Distaff Derby, and the Lady Liberty. Twin B Joe Fresh not only led all older pacers in earnings, amassing $895,562, but also maintained a top ranking for the final 21 weeks of the Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown poll.Ryder expressed his excitement about the achievement, acknowledging that while expectations were high, the actual moment of recognition felt surreal. "It’s great," he remarked. "There have been a lot of people telling me this would happen, but I never count my chickens before they hatch. It’s exciting and really cool."

Historic Firsts: Mares Dominate Both Pacer and Trotter Titles

For the first time since the inception of the awards in 1970, mares claimed both the Pacer of the Year and Trotter of the Year titles. Twin B Joe Fresh received 131 votes for Pacer of the Year, far surpassing any other nominee. Meanwhile, Jiggy Jog S garnered 84 votes to become the Trotter of the Year. This milestone underscores the growing prominence of female athletes in harness racing, marking a significant shift in the sport's dynamics.Jiggy Jog S, trained by Ake Svanstedt, showcased her prowess by finishing six-for-six in her races, earning an impressive $929,188. Her triumphs included defeating male rivals in the MGM Yonkers International Trot and setting a career-best time of 1:49.2 in the John Cashman Memorial. Despite her retirement due to a ligament issue, Jiggy Jog S left an indelible mark on the sport.

Behind the Scenes: The People Behind the Champions

The success of Twin B Joe Fresh and Jiggy Jog S is a testament to the dedication of their trainers, owners, and drivers. For Twin B Joe Fresh, the ownership team comprised trainer Ryder, driver Dexter Dunn, Peter Trebotica, and Barry Spak. Dunn, who flew from Australia to attend the banquet after competing in the Ladbrokes Ultimate Driver Championship, emphasized the importance of champions in revitalizing interest in the sport. "The sport needs champions," he said. "I saw so much outside interest come because of [Bulldog Hanover]. Hopefully, Twin B Joe Fresh builds a big following for this year."Similarly, Jiggy Jog S was owned by Ake Svanstedt Inc., Steve Stewart, John Lengacher, and Hickory Hollow Stables. Her training under Svanstedt highlighted the meticulous preparation and strategic planning required to achieve such feats.

Beyond the Spotlight: Other Honorees and Future Prospects

The Dan Patch Awards also recognized several other notable figures and horses. Trainer Noel Daley and Owner Burke Racing/Weaver Bruscemi received accolades for their contributions. Rising Star Brett Beckwith and Wanda Polisseni, winner of the Stan Bergstein-Proximity Achievement Award, were also honored. Additionally, the 2025 Hall of Fame class, including Ryder, Tom Aldrich, Bob Boni, Debbie Little, and Judy Davis-Wilson, was announced.Looking ahead, Twin B Joe Fresh is set to return to the track at age 5, promising fans another season of thrilling performances. Ryder and Dunn are optimistic about her continued dominance and the potential to inspire new enthusiasts to follow the sport. As harness racing continues to evolve, the legacy of these champions will undoubtedly shape its future.