It was smooth sailing for Sea Silk in 2022. Ohio's top filly freshman pacer in 2021 defended her title as a sophomore and was named the 2022 Ohio Three-Year-Old Filly Pacer of the Year.
The daughter of Downbytheseaside hit the board in 11 of 14 starts, winning eight. Sea Silk won all four legs of the Ohio Sires Stakes, the Ohio Sires Stakes Championship, the Ohio State Fair Stakes and the USS Indianapolis Memorial. She also finished second in the Jugette.
Owned by Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi LLC, Knox Services LLC and Hatfield Stables, and bred by Steiner Stock Farm, Sea Silk earned $481,008 in 2022.
Trainer Ron Burke said it is difficult to repeat as a divisional champion.
“She had a hard two-year-old year. She’s not the soundest horse in the world and for her to fight through it for two years and do it in back-to-back years is impressive.”
Sea Silk will be honoured at the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association Annual Awards Banquet on Jan. 14 at the Hilton Columbus-Polaris in Columbus, Ohio.
The 2022 Ohio Horse of the Year will be announced at the annual awards banquet.
(Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association)