Stratton earns April trainer of the month honors

A newcomer to the Plainridge Park scene in 2026, Cory Stratton wasted no time making his presence felt, earning Trainer of the Month honors for April.

Stratton posted an outstanding month, recording 7 wins from 23 starters for a strong 30% win rate. He also added 7 second-place finishes and 2 third-place efforts, producing an impressive 70% in-the-money percentage. His stable accounted for $92,060 in earnings during the month. Stratton also found success in the sulky, picking up a pair of driving victories as well.

His arrival in Massachusetts got off to a memorable start on Opening Day, Monday (April 13), when For Once Inmy Life delivered a sharp 1:51 victory in the $25,000 Open Handicap pacing feature.

The pair returned the following week, Monday (April 20), and proved it was no fluke. For Once Inmy Life captured the $25,000 Open Handicap once again, this time stopping the clock in a blistering 1:50.3—the fastest mile of the day.

With a strong start to the meet, Stratton has quickly established himself as a rising force among the training ranks at Plainridge Park.

Following his strong April campaign, I caught up with Stratton to talk about his early success and adjustment to racing at Plainridge.

Q: You’ve had a strong start at Plainridge—what has helped you adjust so quickly to a new circuit?
Stratton: “I think just having good horses that have been racing well at other tracks has helped, and the track has been great so our horses have definitely appreciated that.”

Q: How important was that Opening Day win with For Once Inmy Life in setting the tone for your barn?
Stratton: “It’s always great to win and he’s a really good horse, so that definitely helped.”

Q: What has stood out to you about racing at Plainridge compared to other tracks?
Stratton: “Nothing in particular has stood out. It’s a great track with great people.”

Q: Your barn is hitting at a high percentage—what’s been the key to that consistency?
Stratton: “We have a great staff with good horses. My wife runs a tight ship lol.”

Q: Are there any horses in your barn you’re especially excited about going forward?
Stratton: “I have a few babies that I’m extremely excited for. We just had three imports come in, so I’m looking forward to them, also looking forward to Security Protected.”

Q: What are your goals for the rest of the meet at Plainridge?
Stratton: “I don’t have any goals—just want to continue to do well and make money. That’s really all that matters.”

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