Athearn earns back-to-back driver of the month honors

Matthew Athearn’s outstanding start to the 2026 Plainridge Park season continued in May as he was named Driver of the Month for the second consecutive month after also capturing the honor in April.

Athearn put together another dominant month at the Ridge, recording 32 victories while posting a 23% win rate. He also added 18 second-place finishes and 25 third-place finishes, resulting in an impressive 55% in-the-money percentage. His strong performances generated $363,955 in purse earnings during May alone.

Among the highlights of the month was the continued success of Memorynimagination, who captured three Open Trot victories during May with Athearn in the sulky. The standout trotter now has six Open wins on the season. Athearn also guided Ammo to a featured Open victory on May 21.

The strong month has helped Athearn build upon an already impressive season. Through the opening weeks of the meet, he leads all drivers with 53 victories and $575,230 in purse earnings.

Plainridge Park recently caught up with Athearn to discuss his success, his relationship with standout performers like Memorynimagination and the support he receives from trainers and owners.

I recently caught up with Matthew Athearn following his second consecutive Driver of the Month award to discuss his strong start to the 2026 season.

Winning Driver of the Month is an accomplishment, but to do it in back-to-back months is even more impressive. What has been the key to your success this season?

“The horses have been showing up,” said Athearn. “As a driver, you’re only as good as what sits between the shafts. I’ve just been trying not to do too much and put the horses in a spot where I think they can be the most successful.”

While Athearn has enjoyed tremendous success early in the season, he says his focus remains on making the right decisions each night rather than worrying about statistics or awards.

You currently lead the driver standings at Plainridge Park.  How much attention do you pay to the standings throughout the season?

“I see the standings, but I honestly don’t pay any attention to them,” Athearn explained. “I just keep sticking to what I’m doing and whatever happens, happens. It’s not something I’m concerned with.”

One horse that has played a major role in Athearn’s success this season is Memorynimagination, who has established himself as one of the top trotters on the grounds.

Memorynimagination has been a major part of your success this year. What makes that horse so special to drive?

“He is a very special horse,” said Athearn. “He LOVES his job. I’ve had such a great time sitting behind him the last couple of years. He doesn’t care how he races. On the front or sitting last, it doesn’t matter to him — he’s always game.”

Athearn pointed to the horse’s most recent victory as an example of his determination.

“It’s kind of funny because his last start, the trainer and I both agreed he wasn’t very good. He wasn’t grabbing on and seemed done down the backside, but as soon as we hit the top of the stretch, he found that gear he has and still won.”

Like many successful drivers, Athearn is quick to credit the people behind the scenes who give him opportunities week after week.

How important is the support you receive from trainers and owners in putting together months like April and May?

“It’s extremely important,” Athearn said. “As I said earlier, it’s all about the horses. I’m nothing without a horse wanting to do his job between the shafts. Trainers and owners putting me on good horses is how I have months like the last two. All I can hope is that they keep giving me good horses and I make the right decisions.”

With two consecutive Driver of the Month awards already secured and a commanding lead atop the standings, Athearn’s 2026 season is off to a remarkable start. If the first two months are any indication, the Plainridge faithful can expect to see plenty more trips to the winner’s circle from one of the meet’s hottest drivers.

Be sure to grab your FREE online program all season long by visiting plainridgeparkharnessracing.com  and clicking on the “Free Program” tab

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