Mark Etsell: A Journey of Horsemanship and the Triumph of His Award-Winning Trotter

Trainer Mark Etsell, known for his exceptional horsemanship, continued his winning streak with another outstanding season in 2023. Following his million-dollar success in 2022, he once again achieved a seven-figure season and was awarded the prestigious O'Brien Award of Horsemanship at the 2023 O'Brien Awards on Saturday, February 3, in Charlottetown, P.E.I.

Etsell, who was the runner-up for Trainer of the Year, demonstrated his prowess with 32 victories, a personal record spanning three decades. He achieved an impressive UTRS (Universal Trainer Rating System) of 0.311 in 2023. Notably, Etsell gained prominence due to his exceptional trotting mare, Adare Castle, who earned divisional O'Brien Award honours as a sophomore in 2022 and continued her reign as an older mare in 2023.

Speaking about his decision to race Adare Castle as an older mare, Etsell stated, "We believed she deserved another opportunity. As a four-year-old, she was rushed due to the early start of the Graduate Series in April. Consequently, she had limited downtime. However, this year, after the Breeders Crown, she enjoyed a full three months off. She matured physically and mentally, and we anticipate remarkable achievements as she enters her five-year-old season."

Adare Castle, owned by Etsell, Robert Newton, Graham Hopkins, and Peter Porter, commenced her aged career with a flourish, dominating the Ontario Graduate Series by triumphing in all three preliminary legs and the final at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Additionally, she showcased her prowess by winning a leg of the Miss Versatility Series in an impressive 1:52 mile at Mohawk and triumphing in the Preferred Trot against male competitors. Adare Castle's earnings amounted to $201,300, with a commendable record of 6 wins, 3 second-place finishes, and 2 third-place finishes from 20 starts.

Etsell's training expertise extended to O'Brien’s two-year-old trotting colt finalist Willowtime as well, who achieved a remarkable 4 wins out of 5 races, accumulating $355,619 in earnings. Notable highlights of Willowtime's season include a victory in a Grand Circuit stakes event and a triumph in the Ontario Sires Stakes Super Final.

Etsell's ability to nurture and develop young, economically valued trotters has become a defining aspect of his career, particularly in recent years. In an interview with Standardbred Canada, he delved into his training approach, his dedication to trotters, and shared insights about his stable stars.