The echoes of Eric Neal's stellar performance in the 2023 racing season reverberate through the corridors of Pennsylvania's harness racing circuits. At the youthful age of 32, Neal etched his name in the annals of equestrian excellence, earning the prestigious title of Pennsylvania Fair Horseman of the Year. With an awe-inspiring tally of 68 wins, Neal emerged as the undisputed leader of the circuit, showcasing his exceptional skill and finesse in the sulky. His remarkable .416 driver's rating catapulted him to the upper echelons of North American harness racing, ranking fifth among drivers with fewer than 300 starts.
Amidst his myriad accomplishments, Neal's partnership with his father, Randal, flourished, epitomized by their stewardship of the promising two-year-old male pacer, Always Bet On Me. A modest $3,000 yearling purchase, Always Bet On Me proved to be a revelation on the racetrack, gracing the winner's circle on four occasions while securing podium finishes in all 10 of his races. Notable among his achievements was a commendable second-place finish in the fiercely contested Pennsylvania Fair Final.
Reflecting on his extraordinary season, Neal remarks, "It was a real good year. I didn't really plan it or expect it; you just have to let whatever happens happen. I don't know if any one thing stood out last year. It was pretty good all around, and every race you win is special."
Born and raised in western Pennsylvania, Neal's affinity for horses was ingrained from a tender age, shaping his unwavering dedication to the equestrian pursuit. "I've been working with the horses for as long as I can remember," shares Neal. "I've always wanted to do this. There wasn't any question." Fondly reminiscing about his early foray into horsemanship, Neal recounts his inaugural experience jogging a horse alongside his father, an encounter that ignited an enduring passion for harness racing.
Since securing his maiden driving win in 2008, Neal has amassed an impressive tally of 439 victories, establishing himself as a formidable force on the Pennsylvania fair circuit. With nine appearances in the top 10 for wins, including a remarkable streak of seven consecutive years, Neal's prowess in the sulky is unrivaled. Notable highlights include his triumphs in fair finals with Champ Charbel in 2019 and Crumcake in 2015, emblematic of his unwavering commitment to excellence.
For Neal, the thrill of driving surpasses any other vocation, encapsulating the exhilarating essence of harness racing. "It's exciting," he asserts, "and if you do well for a trainer, it makes you feel good." Acknowledging the symbiotic relationship between driver and trainer, Neal underscores the profound satisfaction derived from witnessing the fruits of collaborative labor manifest on the racetrack.
Yet, amidst the triumphs, Neal's journey has been punctuated by setbacks and challenges, a reality he confronts with resilience and fortitude. "Horses have off days; drivers have off days," reflects Neal. "Some days don't go how you hoped, and you've just got to move on to the next one."
Looking ahead to the future, Neal remains steadfast in his pursuit of excellence, fueled by an unwavering commitment to his craft. With a burgeoning stable of 12 horses under his purview, Neal remains optimistic about the prospects of Always Bet On Me and his other equine charges. As he embarks on another season of harness racing, Neal's indomitable spirit and unwavering resolve serve as a testament to the enduring allure of the sport.