STANDARDBRED BREEDERS & OWNERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY

Representing the drivers, trainers, caretakers, breeders and owners of New Jersey

64 Business Route 33

Manalapan, NJ 07726

Phone: 732-462-2357

Fax: 732-409-0741

STANDARDBRED BREEDERS & OWNERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY

Representing the drivers, trainers, caretakers, breeders and owners of New Jersey

64 Business Route 33, Manalapan, NJ 07726 

Phone: 732-462-2357 | Fax: 732-409-0741

BACK

MATTHEW ATHEARN SCORES 1,000TH WIN

Katie Eick, for Freehold Raceway • December 15, 2023

Matthew Athearn makes most of his driving appearances at Saratoga and Plainridge Park. However, last weekend the 25-year-old from Maine made an appearance at Freehold Raceway. He made his presence known when he steered Brickyard King to victory and placed second with Uncontrolled ...

FREEHOLD, NJ -- December 15, 2023 -- Matthew Athearn makes most of his driving appearances at Saratoga and Plainridge Park. However, last weekend the 25-year-old from Maine made an appearance at Freehold Raceway. He made his presence known when he steered Brickyard King to victory and placed second with Uncontrolled.


One week later, on Friday (Dec. 15) he returned to the half-mile oval in New Jersey where he won for the 1,000th time in his young career. His winning mount was once-again Brickyard King for owner/trainer Ray Baynes. This time, the pair was 20-1 and paid $43.00 to win. They left from post six and captured the early lead quite easily. They trot to the first quarter in :29.3 with no pressure until they reached the half in 1:00.4 and faced the first-over challenger, Captain Molly C, the 3-5 favorite. The challenger clearly underestimated Athearn and his mount because they could not clear the early leaders and remained parked passed the three-quarter pole, which was reached in 1:30.4. In the final turn, Captain Molly C and driver Vinny Ginsburg settled for a spot in second behind Athearn on the rail but broke stride shortly after tucking in. This gave Athearn ample opportunity to trot on and cross the wire 4 ¼ lengths ahead of the next competitor. 


Athearn also had two second place finishes out of his five drives on the card. He looks to keep building on his win-count tonight at the Meadowlands where he is set to drive in eight races.


Freehold returns with more racing tomorrow (Dec. 16) including the second half of the Rosecroft-Freehold driving challenge. The first race is at 12:30pm.

By Meadowlands Racetrack July 28, 2025
On Saturday, August 2, the Meadowlands Racetrack showcases the 100th Hambletonian, presented by FanDuel ...
By Courtney Stafford July 28, 2025
The recipients have been named for the 2025 scholarships awarded by the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey (SBOANJ) and the Backstretch Community Assistance Program (BCAP) ...
By Ray Cotolo, for The Meadowlands July 27, 2025
The picture for the Grade 1 Hambletonian Oaks shifted greatly from expectations with some surprise performances from both ends of the spectrum in the three $50,000 eliminations at The Meadowlands on Saturday night (July 26) ...
By Frank Cotolo, for The Meadowlands July 27, 2025
The 100th Hambletonian Grade 1 field was determined on Saturday (July 26) at The Meadowlands by a trio of seven-sophomore trotting fields worth $83,550 each ...
By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations July 26, 2025
The definition of diabolical is “of, relating to, or characteristic of the devil”...
By cstafford July 25, 2025
The Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey (SBOANJ) and New Meadowlands Racetrack, LLC (NMRLLC) have finalized a new Standardbred Racing Agreement governing racing operations at the Meadowlands Racetrack ...
More Posts