Confederate Named 2023 U.S. Horse of the Year

Confederate, the standout performer in harness racing last season, claimed another prestigious title on Sunday, Feb. 25, by being crowned the 2023 U.S. Horse of the Year at the United States Harness Writers Association’s Dan Patch Awards banquet in Orlando, Florida.

The event, presented by Caesars Entertainment, drew a crowd of 300 to the Rosen Centre.

The three-year-old colt also seized the title of U.S. Pacer of the Year, securing 112 out of 129 ballots cast. Tactical Approach, a three-year-old colt and the U.S. Trotter of the Year, followed closely with seven votes.

In a closely contested race, three-year-old pacing filly Sylvia Hanover received three votes, while four-year-old pacing gelding Bythemissal and four-year-old trotting mare Jiggy Jog S each garnered two votes. Six-year-old trotting stallion Its Academic and two-year-old trotting colt Karl were also recognised with one vote each.

Confederate's accolade as the U.S. Horse of the Year marks the eighth time this century that a three-year-old male pacer has been honoured with the award since its inception in 1947.

During the season, Confederate triumphed in 13 out of 15 races, amassing a staggering $1.69 million in earnings. His standout moment came when he set a new record for the fastest three-year-old pacer in history with a remarkable time of 1:46.1 at Lexington’s Red Mile in September. This achievement placed him among the elite ranks of the sport, surpassing the previous record by three-fifths of a second.

Trained by Brett Pelling, driven by Tim Tetrick, and owned by Diamond Creek Racing, Confederate's remarkable journey to victory was further recognised by the U.S. Owner of the Year award for Diamond Creek Racing and the U.S. Breeder of the Year award for Diamond Creek Farm.

Pelling celebrated his second U.S. Horse of the Year title in three years, following Test Of Faith in 2021 and Rocknroll Hanover in 2005. Tetrick, who has driven three U.S. Horse of the Year winners, including Shartin N in 2019 and Chapter Seven in 2012, guided Confederate to an extraordinary season filled with triumphs.

Confederate's impressive winning streak included victories in prestigious races such as the Meadowlands Pace, Breeders Crown, Cane Pace, Max C. Hempt Memorial, and the Kentucky Sire Stakes Championship Series final. His dominance on the track was a testament to his exceptional talent, leaving a lasting impression on the sport.

Tactical Approach, the season's leading trotter with $1.50 million in earnings, also made a significant impact with wins in 10 out of 19 races, including the Hambletonian, Breeders Crown, and Kentucky Futurity. Trained by Nancy Takter and driven by Scott Zeron, Tactical Approach's remarkable journey exemplified the thrill and excitement of harness racing at its finest.