Case Bateson of Rudolph, Ohio has been named the recipient of the 2021 Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association Terry Holton Youth Award.
Bateson began helping his father in the barn when he was 10 years old. While in high school, he spent his summers helping in the Jeff Brewer barn and now works full time as an assistant trainer and caretaker.
Bateson began his driving career in 2021 and logged 42 starts, winning seven times. He won his first race at the Fayette County Fairgrounds in Washington Court House, Ohio with Rock N Randy V.
Bateson said he feels blessed and honoured to receive the award.
“There have been greats that have received this award in the past and I feel honoured to have my name next to theirs,” said Bateson, adding that he is looking forward to a career in harness racing. “I am hoping to make a living as a driver and win many races.”
The award, in its 19th year, is named for Terry Holton, a 2005 inductee into the Ohio Harness Racing Hall of Fame. Holton ,of Newark, Ohio, was the winner of more than 1,700 races in his career. He overcame many obstacles in his life, the biggest may have been overcoming pancreatic cancer.
The Terry Holton Youth Award is awarded to a youth between the ages of 13 and 19 who has actively participated in harness racing during 2021 as a driver, trainer, groom, breeder, race office/publicity assistant, track maintenance crew, or has provided outstanding service to harness racing.
(With files from Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association)