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Congratulations to Matthew “Matty Ice” Athearn, who has been named Driver of the Month for September at Plainridge Park Harness Racing following an outstanding month in the sulky. Athearn made 126 starts during September, recording 24 wins, 23 seconds and 18 thirds. He posted a 19% win rate while finishing in the money in an […]
When the starter calls the field to the gate for Sunday’s $300,000 Grade 2 Spirit of Massachusetts Trot at Plainridge Park, one local favorite will be living a dream. Mitchell Cushing, who has enjoyed a breakout 2026 campaign at Plainridge Park, will train and drive A New Leader from post three in the richest race of the meet. Currently […]
The Harness Horseman’s Association of New England recently presented Mitchell Cushing with a commemorative plaque recognizing his 1,500th career driving victory, a significant milestone in an accomplished harness racing career. Cushing reached the 1,500-win mark on Tuesday, June 2 at Plainridge Park while guiding his own trainee, A New Leader, to victory in the featured […]
Julia Eaton’s strong start to the 2026 Plainridge Park season was recognized in May as she earned Trainer of the Month honors after an outstanding month at The Ridge. Eaton sent out 28 starters during the month and posted an impressive 29% win rate. Her stable recorded eight victories, along with three second-place finishes and […]
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 […]
Mitchell Cushing turned in a dominant week at Plainridge Park, earning Driver of the Week honors after a standout stretch of harness racing from May 25 through May 29. Cushing recorded 10 wins from 25 starts, along with 1 second and 2 third-place finishes, finishing the week with a 52% in-the-money rate, a 0.449 UDR, […]
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 […]
Monday (April 27) Sweet Hayley Jane A (Ron Cushing) captured the $25,000 Open Handicap for fillies and mares in impressive fashion, scoring by three-quarters of a length in a lifetime-best 1:51.1. The mare, owned by Ron Cushing in partnership with Kevin Sywyk and trained by Heidi Cushing, delivered the fastest mile of the day. The […]
Harness racing driver Brett Beckwith continues to recover following his recent injury and remains in good spirits as he works his way back. Beckwith reported that his jaw is still partially wired with rubber bands, keeping him on a liquid diet for the time being. He is also dealing with a wrist injury that is […]
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 […]
The second week of the 2026 meet at Plainridge Park delivered standout harness racing performances, dominant drives, and a pair of notable longshot upsets across three competitive race cards. Monday (April 20) For the second consecutive week, For Once Inmy Life (Bruce Ranger) went coast-to-coast to capture the $25,000 Open Handicap Pace in impressive fashion. […]
Mitchell Cushing has quickly established himself as one of the brightest young stars on the New England harness racing scene. A native of Michigan, Cushing was born and raised on a horse farm in Swartz Creek, where horses were a constant part of daily life. Growing up around a working farm with a training track, […]
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. […]
As the new season at Plainridge Park approaches, drivers and fans alike are gearing up for fast horses, thrilling finishes and all the excitement that makes harness racing a favorite pastime. Few embody that excitement better than Brett Beckwith, a driver known for his strategic driving, consistent results and connection with the horses he guides. […]
