Matthew Athearn named April driver of the Month at Plainridge Park

Athearn got off to a blazing start to the 2026 harness racing season, recording 21 wins from 74 starts during the month. He posted an impressive 28% win rate, along with 8 second-place finishes and 15 third-place finishes, good for a strong 59% in-the-money percentage. His drives also accounted for $202,745 in earnings.

The standout performances didn’t stop there. Athearn recorded two grand slams during the month, highlighted by a big night on Thursday (April 16) when he swept both $25,000 Open events on the card. With momentum on his side, Athearn has quickly established himself as one of the top drivers at Plainridge Park early in the meet.

I caught up with Athearn to talk about his strong start:

Q: You’ve had a tremendous start to the season—what’s been clicking for you so far at Plainridge?
Athearn: “The horses have been sharp right from the jump and I’ve just been trying to tell myself to be patient and not overdrive.”

Q: How important is early-season momentum in a meet like this?
Athearn: “I think it’s great to get a good start to the meet. I believe trainers see that and want to use you more, which leads to more opportunities. As well as I’ve started, I’m focused on staying consistent and not letting it get to my head.”

Q: You recorded two grand slams in April—do certain days just feel like everything is falling into place?
Athearn: “For sure. There are days when you feel like every move you make is the right one. On the other hand, there are days where no matter what move you make, it’s wrong. You really have to appreciate those great days and know it’s not always going to be like that.”

Q: Are there any horses you’re especially excited about going forward this season?
Athearn: “I’m very excited to see how much Confederatestar, for my mom, will progress through the year. He’s won these last two weeks in 1:51.4 and has made them feel like training trips.”

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