The upstate New York chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association has announced that Riley Asher-Stalbaum has been named its 2018 Rising Star at Batavia Downs.

Asher-Stalbaum was born to race and hit the ground running in 2018, which was her first year of training. Her hard work and perseverance has paid instant dividends.

The daughter of accomplished trainer Kim Asher and longtime driver Larry Stalbaum was brought up in the business. Having her folks first as parents and then as tutors has helped Riley to become very successful in life as a young lady and also in harness racing.

Riley raced a small but powerful stable in 2018 which featured ‘win-machines’ Quicksilvercandy A, Kaitlyn Rae and Empire Earl N, who combined amassed a total of 38 victories and $231,488 in purses during the campaign.

At Batavia Downs her numbers showed 124 starts with 17 wins, 15 seconds, 17 thirds and $133,409 in earnings – all of the statistics are very impressive for a first year trainer that is only 11 days removed from her 19th birthday.

Riley aspires to make a living doing what she loves and follow in the footsteps of her parents – and if the results of her first year are any indication, the business better take notice of the girl in the red and white silks in the coming years.

Riley will receive her trophy in the Purple Haze Winner's Circle during the Night of Distinction at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Dec. 14).

(With files from USHWA)