Cory Stratton, the younger brother of harness racing driver Jordan “The Kid” Stratton, got his first career win on May 9 when Invocation triumphed over Whispur
in 1:59.2 in the Billings Amateur Series at the Meadowlands Racetrack. The 17-year-old Cory notched the victory in his eighth lifetime start.
“It’s a great feeling,” Cory said. “Words can’t describe the feeling. I’ve always wanted to (drive) since I was a little kid. Since I can remember, I’ve been at the races. I used to stand by the fence and run with the horses. It’s been my lifelong dream.”
Cory’s brother, Jordan, is one of the sport’s top up-and-coming drivers. Last year, Jordan Stratton received the Rising Star Award from the U.S. Harness Writers Association. Jordan Stratton, 22, has won 1,547 races and $14.4 million in purses. He is one of only three drivers in history to reach 1,000 wins prior to the age of 22.
“He’s my idol,” Cory said. “I look up to him. Anytime I need something, I go to him. He’s helped me out with everything. Jordan and my dad (trainer Dave Stratton) have been a lot of help. My whole family has been very supportive.”
Jordan Stratton saw his brother’s previous seven races, but missed Cory’s first win because he was driving at Tioga Downs.
“I was a little upset I couldn’t be there,” Jordan Stratton said. “I was glad he got it. He did a good job.
“He probably was putting a lot of pressure on himself with me being there. I just try to let him learn on his own. I just stress to him not to try to be the next Brian Sears or Tim Tetrick or Jordan Stratton; try to be yourself. When you try to be someone else, that’s when you look like a fool. It’s the best advice I can give anybody: Just try to be yourself. Just have fun and do what you’ve got to do.”
Some time down the road, the Stratton brothers might square off regularly on the racetrack. Both are looking forward to that day.
“I’ve always said the first time I park him that all I’m going to hear at the quarter pole is “Mom!” Jordan joked.
“Not anymore,” Cory responded, laughing. “When I was younger I would have. I’ve grown up since then.”
Cory has raced in the North American Amateur Drivers Association in addition to the Billings. Jordan, too, cut his teeth in amateur events.
“It’s a good stepping stone,” said Jordan, who got his first win at Monticello Raceway on May 8, 2006.
Cory has a qualifying/fair license and will get a provisional license in August when he turns 18, which is the minimum age for the license. He plans to race primarily at Monticello and Saratoga.
Even with an older brother to admire, Cory is not concerned about being “The Other Kid” when it comes to racing.
“I don’t feel pressure with Jordan being my brother; I’ve got my own shoes to fill,” Cory said. “If I’m half as good as he is, then I’ll consider myself good.”
This story courtesy of Harness Racing Communications, a division of the U.S.
Trotting Association. For more information, visit www.ustrotting.com.