Hinsdale, IL — It’s rare for a harness racing trainer to condition a division champion in back-to-back years; however, when Whiskey Lou was named the best in her division, it gave Illinois horseman Curt Grummel an even more unique accomplishment: his third consecutive Illinois Conceived and Foaled 2-year-old filly trot titleholder.

Whiskey Lou has followed in the hoofprints of the Grummel stable’s Funky Wiggle in 2021 and Marvelous Mystery in 2022. Is there a fourth straight division champion for the Grummel barn on the horizon?

“It’s way too early for that conversation,” answered Grummel, with a laugh. “I do have a couple of youngsters that I like about ready to qualify, though.”

Meanwhile, Whiskey Lou is off to a terrific start in her second season. She’s unbeaten with her new driver Casey Leonard in four starts and was particularly impressive winning a recent division of the Violet Stakes.

Whiskey Lou’s 2023 divisional honor gave trainer Curt Grummel three consecutive ICF 2-year-old filly trot champions. Terry Young photo.

“She was very strong in the Violet,” said Leonard, who took over the driving chores this year on the homebred daughter of Lou’s Legacy out of the Cantab Hall broodmare Whisk Hanover for owner and breeder Randy J. Wilt.

Last year, Leonard drove Grummel’s freshman Calypso Moon and did well with her, mostly competing in different divisions than her stablemate Whiskey Lou, a full sister to 2022 Illinois Harness Horse of the Year Funky Wiggles, earning over $62,000 and winning four of nine starts, including a First Lady split at Du Quoin. Meanwhile, Whiskey Lou raked in almost $94,000 and won a division of the Illinois State Fair Colt Stakes, raced at Hawthorne, with Kyle Wilfong; a leg of the Fox Valley Flan, also with Wilfong; and division of the Violet, with Grummel.

With Wilfong committed to driver at Harrah’s Hoosier Park this summer, Grummel asked Leonard if he would like to drive Whiskey Lou year, saying “she’s the better of the two fillies.”

“Coming from a trainer with Curt’s résumé with trotters, I replied, ‘Of course,’ said Leonard. “I’ve since learned she’s a very easy filly to drive. She’s handy and she just keeps getting stronger out there.”

“Every time I’ve asked Casey how the filly was after a race, I get the same reply: ‘Absolutely perfect,'” said Curt.

Both Marvelous Mystery and Funky Wiggles missed significant portions of their 2023 season with health issues.

“Marvelous Mystery was going to qualify Wednesday, but the races got rained out,” said Grummel. “She’s really sharp and is ready to go. ‘Funky’ has had some lameness problems, but her legs are good now. She isn’t far off from qualifying.

“I’m hoping they can both stay sound and are healthy when some of the bigger races come around later this summer and in the fall.”