After finishing second in her first two career starts, Merry Ann reeled off five straight wins on the way to being named the Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association's Two-Year-Old Trotting Filly of the Year.
Merry Ann, a daughter of Southwind Spirit out of Witty Girl, won three legs of the Ohio Sires Stakes for two-year-old trotting fillies, as well as the $300,000 final. She finished the season winning five of eight races with two second-place finishes and $245,200 in earnings.
Merry Ann is trained by Ron Burke and owned by the Burke Racing Stable, Knox Services and Weaver Bruscemi. She was bred by Knox Services.
“She had a great year, she’s got that grit to her,” said Chris Page, who was in the bike for all eight of Merry Ann’s races. “What I really liked was her look. She had the size and good gait. She was definitely a little headstrong.”
Page said Merry Ann has the versatility to win from the front, first-up or from the back, and she showed it all year long.
Merry Ann will be honoured during the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association’s virtual award show on Jan. 16. The awards show is scheduled to air on the OHHA YouTube channel at 7 p.m.
(Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association)