Matthew Athearn named April driver of the Month at Plainridge Park

Athearn received off to a blazing begin to the 2026 harness racing season, recording 21 wins from 74 begins through the month. He posted a formidable 28% win fee, together with 8 second-place finishes and 15 third-place finishes, good for a robust 59% in-the-money proportion. His drives additionally accounted for $202,745 in earnings.
(Glen McNeil Photograph)
The standout performances didn’t cease there. Athearn recorded two grand slams through the month, highlighted by an enormous night time on Thursday (April 16) when he swept each $25,000 Open occasions on the cardboard. With momentum on his aspect, Athearn has shortly established himself as one of many prime drivers at Plainridge Park early within the meet.
Matthew Athearn (Invoice Shea Photograph)
I caught up with Athearn to speak about his robust begin:
Q: You’ve had an incredible begin to the season—what’s been clicking for you up to now at Plainridge?Athearn: “The horses have been sharp proper from the bounce and I’ve simply been attempting to inform myself to be affected person and never overdrive.”
Q: How necessary is early-season momentum in a meet like this?Athearn: “I feel it’s nice to get a very good begin to the meet. I imagine trainers see that and wish to use you extra, which ends up in extra alternatives. In addition to I’ve began, I’m centered on staying constant and never letting it get to my head.”
Q: You recorded two grand slams in April—do sure days simply really feel like all the things is falling into place?Athearn: “For certain. There are days while you really feel like each transfer you make is the fitting one. Alternatively, there are days the place it doesn’t matter what transfer you make, it’s fallacious. You actually have to understand these nice days and comprehend it’s not all the time going to be like that.”
Q: Are there any horses you’re particularly enthusiastic about going ahead this season?Athearn: “I’m very excited to see how a lot Confederatestar, for my mother, will progress by way of the yr. He’s gained these final two weeks in 1:51.4 and has made them really feel like coaching journeys.”
By Glen McNeil for the Harness Horseman’s Affiliation of New England, Inc

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