Steve Heimbecker didn’t need to be sold on the Mohawk Million.

Whether it was the lure of competing for a $500,000 top prize, competitive spirit, wanting to win one for the home team, being associated with a marquee event, or perhaps all of the above, one of Ontario racing’s most ardent supporters didn’t need to be asked twice about the big race at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Sept. 25.

In fact, the high-profile owner didn’t even need to be asked once.

“I’ve said this before, but in North America, we have the best track in Woodbine Mohawk Park,” said Heimbecker, President & Principal Advisor with mortgage lender Nestig Inc. “Mohawk is great now and there is even more potential for it in the future. We have some of the best races in our very own backyard. To me, it’s fitting that this race is here. It’s the perfect spot for it and I’m very proud to be involved with it.”

The Mohawk Million, for trotting two-year-olds, follows a buy-in approach with nine of 10 slots in the race available for purchase. The 10th and final slot in the race is awarded to the winner of the William Wellwood Memorial, slated for Sept. 11.

The owners of the slots are not required to declare a trotting two-year-old for the race until entry time, with the slot being an entity that may be sold, traded or subject to lease. Each slot owner was required to submit $50,000 per slot by the Feb. 15 deadline. The remaining $50,000 is due by June 1.

Heimbecker was actually part of the first Mohawk Million in 2020.

“I went in on a slot purchase with [owner] Brad [Grant]—he was really pivotal in getting me involved—that we eventually sold to Julie Miller. We were hopeful of using it, but it just didn’t work out. But I was really happy to see Julie win it with Venerate. I was watching and clearly cheering on Julie, who I have some horses with. Julie, along with Daniel Plouffe, and myself are partners for this year’s slot.”

This time around, Heimbecker has options, and plenty of them. Having a handful of hopefuls to pin his Mohawk Million hopes on is admittedly an enviable position to be in. While all are wild cards at the moment, Heimbecker could have a pair of aces on his hands.

“There is something very appealing about trotters. My old man would always say, ‘Trotters, you either love them or you hate them… they can break your heart.’ And they do. I’ve always said that I won’t be buying trotters and I always end up doing it. Hopefully, we can fill the spot with one of them this year.

Venerate, trained by Julie Miller, winning the 2020 Mohawk Million

“I bought the spot with Julie and Daniel with the intention of putting one of the horses we have in there. We bought a really nice Muscle Hill [$400,000, Trunk Bay] at the sale last fall, as well as Clenched Fist [$190,000]. At the moment, there are five horses we have to consider for that one slot.”

Heimbecker is looking forward to seeing how the journey to Mohawk Million night ends up playing out. He doesn’t need to be reminded that life with rookie trotters can be an adventure in itself. While he already has Sept. 25 circled on his calendar, there’s no immediate rush to name his starter for the big race. It’s one big reason why Heimbecker is eager to see what’s in store for his Mohawk Million hopefuls over the new few months.

“It’s really early. I had 31 two-year-olds last year and a good chunk of them were trotters. There’s something really special about having a young trotter that can travel at those high speeds. We’ll lean on the trainers who do a great job of working with them and figuring them out ahead of the Mohawk Million.”

Win or lose, Heimbecker has embraced the notion of "buying local"—as an owner who sees plenty of potential, upside and value in the Standardbred racing and breeding program in Ontario. Two years ago, the majority of his racing stock was American-sired horses.

In 2020, he altered his blueprint, upping his support for the Standardbred racing scene and breeding program in Ontario. Heimbecker, whose stars over the years include Courtly Choice, purchased three of the four highest-priced yearlings from the 2020 London Virtual Yearling Sale—buying sale toppers Goldrush Seelster and Shanghai Seelster from the first session and Addison Seelster from the second session.

“I’m a big believer in supporting Ontario racing,” said Heimbecker, who bought Lightnier (renamed The Big Hen), a pacing-bred yearling filly that sell in 2020 who is a sister to millionaire Medusa and O'Brien Award winner Alicorn. “We have such a great product, we should be proud of our industry, and it’s important to invest in it. With this Mohawk Million race, we have a fantastic opportunity to put on a great show. With everything being overshadowed by COVID, it’s nice to be able to look forward to an event like this in Ontario.”

Steve Heimbecker (second from the left) standing in the winner's circle with Ontario-bred Examiner Hanover in 2019

Especially in Heimbecker's case, since he happens to have a quintet of young trotters to choose from.

“I think I’ve covered all my bases,” said Heimbecker, who added with a laugh, “Hopefully, it ends up being a love story and not a drama.”

A win in this year’s Mohawk Million would be most fitting for the man who continues to reap the rewards of shopping local.

The Mohawk Million will take place along with the $850,000 Metro Pace for two-year-old pacers on Sept. 25, showcasing the sport’s two richest races for freshmen on the same card.

The $540,000 Shes A Great Lady for two-year-old pacing fillies will complement the Mohawk Million card, which will feature total purses of more than $2.6 million.

(Ontario Racing)