Michelle Hogan of Miller Lake, Ont., is the photographer for the April image in the Heart of Harness Racing Calendar.
Michelle, known industry wide as the “Harness Artist,” captured this photo of Brittany Kennedy with Lets Leavem while visiting Hanover Raceway for the inaugural Ontario Women’s Driving Championship in July of 2021.
“I was in the right place at the right time,” Hogan explained. “Sarah and Lets Leavem were leading the post parade during the Ontario Women’s Driving Championship at Hanover Raceway and Britt stopped to chat just as I was snapping a few photos of the pair. When she reached up to touch his nose, it was perfect.”
Hogan is an equine artist who specializes in harness racing and is the official artist of Hanover Raceway’s Dream of Glory Trot. She has also dabbled in fractional ownership and currently owns a very small piece of Bettor B Sawyer with TheStable.ca
Standardbred Canada has asked Michelle some “Rapid Fire” questions to gain a little bit more insight into her harness racing history and favourites. Here’s what she had to say:
Q: How many years have you been involved in harness racing?
A: 28 years
Q: Are you a harness racing fan, owner, groom, or trainer?
A: All of the above at one time or another
Q: What is your favourite racetrack?
A: Hanover Raceway
Q: Who is your favourite horse of all time?
A: Shepherd Home
Q: What is your favourite subject to photograph aside from horses?
A: Birds and Wildlife
Q: Where is your favourite spot to take photos?
A: First turn at Hanover Raceway
Q: Favourite harness driver?
A: Trevor Henry
Q: If you could take photos for one day anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A: Anywhere with a harness track.
Q: Name one racetrack that you want to attend that you haven't yet.
A: Truro Raceway
Q: The last picture you took on your phone?
A: My son, Owen, learning about maple syrup.
Q: Favourite race of all time?
A: Legends Day Trot at Clinton
Q: First place you are going to visit once travel restrictions are lifted?
A: Kentucky
The calendar project is supported by many tracks and associations, and Standardbred Canada would like to thank this month's calendar sponsor, Ontario Racing.