Apple Juice was crowned the 2023 Minnesota Horse of the Year during the annual meeting and awards banquet held by Minnesota Harness Racing Inc. on Saturday, Feb. 17 at Running Aces.
The talented filly, Apple Juice, clinched the prestigious title after securing the 2023 freshman filly champion pacer award. Standing out among a pool of accomplished nominees including Dougsmonkeybusines, Handsome Harvey, Baby Flash, Deja Vu Babyboo, Give Me This Dance, Bringoverthemoney, Maggie Rhee, Iron Sharpens Iron, and BPs Lucky Star, Apple Juice emerged as the voters' top choice for Horse of the Year.
Sired by Fancy Schmansy and out of Computer Art, Apple Juice is a product of owner, trainer, and breeder Scott Banitt's efforts. She engaged in a thrilling rivalry with Deja Vu Babyboo, the division runner-up, engaging in intense battles and trading wins throughout the season. However, Apple Juice's exceptional performance in the final six weeks, securing five victories in her last seven starts, ultimately earned her the championship accolade.
Notably, on the Night of Champions on Sept. 16, Apple Juice showcased her prowess by dominating the $65,000 division final with a stellar gate-to-wire performance clocking in at 1:54.3, just shy of her career-best time of 1:54.2 set on Aug. 24.
Concluding her freshman campaign with an impressive record of eight wins and four seconds from 13 starts, along with earnings amounting to $103,117, Apple Juice now holds the top spot on the all-time seasonal earnings list for two-year-old filly pacers in Minnesota.
Jacob Cutting served as the primary driver for Apple Juice throughout her remarkable 2023 season.
Reflecting on Apple Juice's success, Banitt expressed his initial confidence in her abilities, stating,
"When you have a good one, you just know, you can feel it, and we could tell she was a good one right from the start”.
Banitt revealed that the filly's unique name, Apple Juice, was inspired by his grandson, stemming from the mare Computer Art. Banitt's wife, Becki, fondly shared,
"She is such a special horse and we love her so much, and she has a special bond with our six-year-old granddaughter – they are best friends and seeing them together just warms my heart. She is just an amazing girl”.