Athearn and Ranger honored as 2025 Plainridge Champions

Gretchen Athearn and Bruce Ranger were recently recognized for their outstanding 2025 harness racing campaigns at Plainridge Park, receiving their Trainer and Driver of the Year plaques presented by the Harness Horsemen’s Association of New England.

Athearn enjoyed a remarkable season in the training ranks, finishing the meet with 52 victories and $796,344 in earnings.

Her stable also recorded 53 second-place and 43 third-place finishes, resulting in an impressive 46% in-the-money percentage. Her consistency and depth throughout the meet firmly established her as the leading trainer on the grounds.

Ranger, known to many as “The Legend,” once again demonstrated why he remains one of the sport’s premier drivers.

He closed out the season with 147 wins, along with 103 seconds and 105 thirds, while amassing $1,914,596 in purse earnings. His 41% in-the-money rate highlighted another dominant and steady campaign in the sulky.

Both Athearn and Ranger now turn their focus to the 2026 season at “The Ridge,” where they will look to defend their titles and continue their winning ways. With their proven track records, the duo will once again be at the center of the action as another exciting season unfolds at Plainridge Park.

By Glen McNeil for the Harness Horseman’s Association of New England, Inc.