Fierce competitors on the racetrack, Standardbreds are making headlines around the world for their part in assisted learning programs away from track as well.

One such Standardbred is Australian trotter Illawong Armstrong, whose major wins included the 2014 Group 1 Empire Stallions Home Grown Classic, raced over a mile and a sixteenth for two-year-old Victoria-breds, and the 2016 Group 2 Woodlands Stud Breeders Crown Championship over a mile and three-eighths for four-year-old trotters, both at Tabcorp Park Melton. But now, after winning 18 times and hitting the board in nearly half of his 86 starts — the last of which was Jan. 2 — the nine-year-old gelding by Canadian Trotting Classic winner Majestic Son is poised to be an even bigger hero off the racetrack.

In his second career, Illawong Armstrong will serve as one of the driving equine forces behind HEROES for Humans, an arm of Harness Racing Victoria's Harness Education & Rehoming Opportunities (HERO) program, which endeavours to teach important life skills to teenagers with the help of retired Standardbreds. "Armstrong," as he is commonly known, was gifted to the HEROES for Humans program by the family of owner and breeder Dr. Martin Hartnett, who passed last August.

"As soon as I heard about this project, I knew it would be the perfect opportunity for Armstrong," trainer-driver Jodi Quinlan told the Melbourne Herald Sun. "Although he was a fierce, difficult and often unruly racehorse, he has a beautiful, kind temperament, a big personality, and was always a stable favourite behind the scenes."

Star Australian trotter Illawong Armstrong, pictured enjoying a trail ride, has joined Harness Racing Victoria's HEROES for Humans program.

His kindness off the track and his agreeable nature with people — particularly Hartnett's grandchildren, Phoebe and John — make Armstrong a perfect asset to HEROES for Humans.

"Because he has always enjoyed his work and human interaction, (Jodi) suggested the horse would be ideally suited to having a job in retirement, particularly one where he'd have regular contact with people," said program manager Tanya McDermott. "The idea of being a part of the HEROES for Humans equine team was especially appealing because the project targets young people."

HEROES for Humans offers equine assisted learning to young Australians, and takes a hands-on approach to developing life skills which support educational, professional and personal goals such as increased self-awareness, enhanced problem solving, decision making and communication abilities.