Few could have predicted the meteoric rise of Highland Kismet in 2024 — perhaps least of all his trainer, Mark Etsell.
Once considered an unlikely contender, the trotter capped off his season by winning the 2024 O’Brien Award in the Three-Year-Old Trotting Colt category, a moment that left Etsell reflecting on just how far his gelding had come.
“It was just like taking a kid out of high school and putting him in the NBA,” said Etsell. “We threw him right from a maiden race into stakes competition.”
Though unraced at two, Highland Kismet, a son of Father Patrick out of Highland Top Hill, wasted no time proving himself at three, earning $727,850 in his debut season. He captured the Goodtimes Stakes in 1:51.3, equalling the stakes record in just his fifth pari-mutuel start. He also won divisions of the Simcoe Stakes and Bluegrass Stakes, but his biggest moment came in the $1.45 million Hambletonian, where he finished a hard-fought second.
“I don’t know how many feet that was from the wire — we thought we had it,” said Etsell. “But to be second was just an accomplishment in itself.”
Owned by Mary Clark's Highland Thoroughbred Farm, Highland Kismet will continue racing in 2025 with major stakes ahead.
Beyond his talent, Highland Kismet's personality has made him a stable favourite.
“Everybody loves him, so everybody takes care of him,” said Etsell.
In an interview with Standardbred Canada's Jeff Porchak, Etsell reflected on the journey that brought Highland Kismet to this moment, emphasizing the dedication of his team and the horse’s incredible development. With his sights set on another big season in 2025, Etsell knows the best may be yet to come...but for now, he’s taking a moment to appreciate just how special this ride has been. The interview is the seventh in a series of interviews sponsored by Horse Racing Alberta.
(Standardbred Canada; photos courtesy New Image Media)