by Thomas H. Hicks, for the Florida USHWA Chapter

Pompano Beach, FL — This past Saturday evening (Jan. 18) in the winner’s circle at the Isle Pompano Park, the Florida Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association awarded Tracey O’Leary its December Caretaker of the Month Award.

Dee Leftwich photo

In the winner’s circle are (left to right), Lucien Fontaine, Rosie Huff, Tracey O’Leary, “Big Bernie,” Mike Deters, Laurie Poulin and Thomas Hicks.

O’Leary, a longstanding successful member of the Mike Deters Stable, recently took over care of Prairie Jaguar (Spy Hard-Cat Lady), the red hot Mel Hartman bred, Laurie Poulin raised, Florida bred.

Deters and Poulin own Prairie Jaguar but he has blossomed under O’Leary’s care. Saying “He’s now a happy horse,” O’Leary stated, “it’s been just about solid horse care, and the results have been more than solid.”

Since a qualifier at Pompano Park on Nov. 23, Prairie Jaguar is six for six with $25,000 earned, the last four scores in Open competition timed between 1:49–1:50.2 with final quarters in :28 and change or better.

Prior to O’Leary grooming Prairie Jaguar, he had only six wins (and 19 on the board finishes) in 62 starts for earnings of $42,222.

Watching Prairie Jaguar warm up free-legged Saturday prior to his race caught the attention of members of the Florida USHWA chapter, and certainly signaled that he is in fact a happy horse under the care of Tracey O’Leary. The horse can leave, relax and turn it on when asked.

In the winner’s circle, O’Leary was presented with a plaque and a check for $100.