Voting took place at the MHRI annual meeting and banquet this past Saturday (Feb. 22) at Vanelli's by the Lake in Forest Lake, Minnesota, and MD Magic was chosen as the Minnesota Standardbred industry’s 2019 Horse of the Year.
MD Magic also took home the hardware as the champion sophomore male trotter for 2019. The talented Braggart gelding is out of the Striking Sahbra mare Magical Debut, is owned by Set The Pace Racing LLC, and is trained and driven by Nick Roland.
MD Magic had previously picked up honours as the two-year-old colt trotter of the year in 2018; a season in which he recorded nine wins from 11 starts and set a seasonal earnings record in the Minnesota program. His final tally for 2019 was 16 starts, seven wins, four seconds, one third, a mark of 1:59.2 and earnings of $74,950, which was yet another seasonal earnings record for the Minnesota program.
Shortly after the banquet festivities, I caught up with
Jessica Johnson, one of the principals of Set The Pace Racing (along with Ken Stauffer) and here's what I learned about her star trotter:
Jessica Johnson, one of the principals of Set The Pace Racing (along with Ken Stauffer), stated that “‘Magic’ is probably the star of the barn/stable amongst all of the caretakers/owners and guests. It's not just because he is talented and successful, it's his personality. He loves people and he loves treats. If you are within his reach, he will reach out to you and pull you over to him to give him attention and beg you for carrots or treats."
Johnson also stated that MD Magic loves his outdoor time in the paddock where he runs and jumps and plays. An additional testament to his docile temperament is the fact that when it comes time to give barn guests/race fans a ride on the track in the two-seater jog cart, it's often Magic that is chosen to do so.
Johnson stated that herself, trainer Nick Roland and staff were not particularly keen on MD Magic's abilities early on. Johnson has said that he just seemed average at best during his early work as a freshman, but "that all changed after his first qualifying race where he really showed a hint of his abilities."
According to Johnson, MD Magic “doesn't require a lot of intense training to stay in top racing form. He mostly puts in lots of slow methodical miles to stay in shape and he benefits from weekly visits from the chiropractor.”
In addition, Johnson expressed that the connections are beyond thrilled at the Horse of the Year award and stated, "we were not expecting this, but are so honoured that our fellow horsemen find him to be as special as we do.”
MD Magic, with his $145,250 in the bank, is the most successful offspring of Braggart. Glen Sauder of Withee, Wisconsin is the breeder of record for MD Magic, and is the current owner of Braggart.
(With files from Minnesota Harness Racing)