After making a name for himself in Michigan, Rob Harmon is shifting his tack to the Meadowlands with great
success.
He had three wins from four starters last week, which earned him the Big Dee's Trainer of the Week award.
"I went from 60 head down to 40 in training right now," Harmon said. "I'm downsizing so I can make a move. I have a farm in Cement City, Michigan, and I'm also stabled at The Meadowlands. My boy, Tyler, is 11 years old, and he plays Triple A hockey for Detroit Victory Honda. I don't like to miss any of his games, but right now, I have to come out to New Jersey or another trainer will get these horses.
"I've mainly raced close to home, but also at Windsor, Woodbine and Yonkers," he continued. "Unfortunately, there hasn't been enough money in Michigan and at Windsor. Hopefully, I can bring some more horses out to the Meadowlands area."
Harmon, 39, cracked the million-dollar mark in earnings twice this decade and has averaged 250 wins for the last three years. While his accomplishments have come primarily in Michigan, he had prior success at The Meadowlands in 1996 with Ocarrie, who swept the Comforter Series [now the White Ruffles] and won two divisions of the Night Styles.
"I was Trainer of the Year three times in Michigan," he said. "I've won titles at Hazel Park, Windsor Raceway and Jackson. My top horses were CC Spice (1:51.4 - $696,080) and Ocarrie (1:55.4 - $99,424) - these of course were horses known here [in Michigan], not nationally."
(The Meadowlands)