The Monticello-Goshen chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association will be naming 25-year-old Canadian Jason Ryan its Rising Star Award recipient for 2014.
Ryan’s upcoming accolade was announced Wednesday, November 12 by Monticello Raceway’s PR man, John Manzi.
Manzi stated the news in his recap of the ‘Mighty M’s Tuesday program, which saw Ryan steered four of his mounts to the winner’s circle. Ryan had got the job done with Kevins Apple ($27.40), KBs Bad Boy ($15.60), Jet Set Style ($72.50) and See You Smile ($17.40).
Ryan stated that after the races on Tuesday were completed, somebody called him ‘Longshot Ryan’ because all of his winners paid double figures.
On the driving side of things, Ryan has posted many career highs. As of November 12, Ryan has driven in a career-high 1,062 dashes. His record of 148-154-161 this season are all career highs, as is his $691,592 in purses.
In terms of training, Ryan has sent out a career-high 258 starters this season, good for a record of 35-44-45. His charges have raced to $236,326 in purses this year, which is also a career best.
Ryan began the season at Monticello in early January and opened some eyes with his driving abilities. He later moved on to Saratoga Raceway, and then during the late summer, raced back at Running Aces Harness Park in Minnesota where he had competed well in 2013.
Ryan was the leading driver at Running Aces this season courtesy of his 90 winners. He has said that plans on being at Monticello throughout the winter.
When asked what the future will bring, Ryan replied that he’d “like to race at Yonkers and the Meadowlands in the future,” but that he knows he’ll have to pay his dues before he is able to.
(With files from Monticello)