Charlie May, Ohio's Three-Year-Old Pacing Colt of the Year, has been named the 2021 Ohio Horse of the Year.

Charlie May, the son of McArdle out of Stipple Hanover, hit the board in 17 of 22 starts, winning 10 races and earning $879,400 for owner and breeder Don Tiger. Charlie May’s lifetime earnings now top $1.2 million.

Charlie May’s wins included three legs of the Ohio Sire Stakes, the Carl Milstein Memorial at MGM Northfield Park (in world record time), the Ohio State Fair Stakes, the Ohio Breeders Championship, and the Matron Stakes at Dover Downs. He also crossed the finishing line first in the Meadowlands Pace but was placed last for interference. That placing is still under appeal.

Tiger says he is grateful that Charlie May won Horse of the Year. “It’s been an amazing two-year ride. I’ve had two miracles in my life, one was Charlie May, and the other is my son Julian. I love Charlie’s story and I think he represents Ohio very well.”

Tiger thanked trainer Steve Carter and caretaker Ben Lindsey for putting Charlie May in the position to win the award. “I love Ohio racing, it’s the only place I race and I’m happy for Steve and Ben, all the people in the barn and the fans who appreciate Charlie’s story,”

Charlie May’s owner Don Tiger accepts the 2021 Ohio Horse of the Year award at the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association Annual Awards Banquet

Charlie May was honoured during the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association’s annual awards banquet January 15th.

(Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association)