Saratoga Springs, NY — Matt Athearn won the Johnny Page Award at Saratoga Casino Hotel last season. The 25-year-old reinsman was recognized as the track’s top up-and-coming driver in 2023 after he finished eighth in the local driver standings despite racing at several other tracks throughout the year.

Athearn kicked off opening weekend of the ’24 season in strong fashion and on Monday afternoon, the young sulky standout piloted three winners on the Spa’s nine-race card.

Lupa toughed out a first-over journey to score as his race’s even money favorite. Jessica Hallett photo.

Athearn picked up the drive behind out-of-towner Lupa (Rockin Image) for trainer Al Annunziata and began his day in strong fashion when Lupa toughed out a first-over journey to score in 1:58 as his race’s even money favorite in an $8,000 conditioned race for young pacers.

Athearn then rattled off back-to-back jacks later in the card when he guided young trotter Sunny’s Rebel to his maiden win in 2:02 before wrapping up his hat trick while sitting behind Mr Experience.

The Jimmy Nickerson-trained Mr Experience was his race’s favorite but made a break after the start. Athearn got the 4-year-old back on task heading to the opening quarter and made it to the lead, one that he would never relinquish en route to scoring in 2:01.1.

Live racing continues on Tuesday afternoon at Saratoga with a first post set for noon.