Columbus, MN — Voting took place at the Minnesota Harness Racing Inc. annual meeting and awards banquet on Saturday (May 6) at Running Aces Casino Hotel & Racetrack and despite seven strong nominees for the top harness racing equine honor of the 2022 season, there was a landslide winner when the votes were tabulated.

Minnesota Harness Racing congratulates 2022 Minnesota Harness Horse of the Year Iron Sharpens Iron (Banker Volo-Lindy’s On Fire-Explosive Matter); Owner/Breeder: Jeralene Roland; Trainer: Dan Roland; Assistant: Angie Coleman.

Iron Sharpens Iron was almost invincible in 2022, posting 11 wins in 12 starts overall, with nine wins from 10 starts at Running Aces. Dee Leftwich photo.

Iron Sharpens Iron was almost invincible in 2022, posting 11 wins in 12 starts overall, with nine wins from 10 starts at Running Aces. The incredibly talented son of the late Running Aces star trotter Banker Volo re-wrote the record books on three different occasions in 2022, eventually taking a 1:58.1 freshman mark that lowered the track record by nearly two seconds. He then equaled his record clocking again with a strong victory on the Night Of Champions.

Throughout his incredible season, he displayed many different levels of speed and ability, including both tactical and gate speed. Luke Plano handled the lines during his Aces campaign and grew quite fond of the highly talented gelding.

With total earnings of $111,605 and $108,455 earned in Minnesota, Iron Sharpens Iron also became the richest 2-year-old ever in the Minnesota program. He earned a whopping 425 points to take the division crown.