Like a fine wine, Its Academic continues to get better with age.
In 2023, Its Academic won the most races of his career and earned more money than any other year on his way to being named Ohio's Aged Trotter of the Year.
The son of Uncle Peter hit the board in 16 of his 18 starts, winning half and earning $984,294.
Its Academic won five races in a row during one stretch which included the Crawford Farms Trot, the Spirit of Massachusetts Trot, the John Cashman Memorial and the Tom Aldrich President’s Trot. He also finished second in the Breeders Crown Open Trot.
“He far exceeded what we thought he would be,” said trainer Ron Burke. "He is a push-button horse that can be raced from the back or the front. He’ll do anything you want him to.”
Owned by Brad Grant of Milton, Ont., and bred by GBW Breeding Farm, Its Academic has earned more than $2.3 million in his career.
Its Academic will be honoured at the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association Annual Awards Banquet on Jan. 13, 2024 at the Mariott Columbus OSU in Columbus, Ohio. Tickets to the banquet are $30 each and can be purchased by calling the association's office at 614-221-3650.
The 2023 Ohio Horse of the Year will be announced at the annual awards banquet.
(Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association)