by John Manzi, for the Monticello-Goshen chapter USHWA

Monticello, NY — Mark Ford is one of the most prolific and successful trainers in harness racing today; maybe ever? On November 18 Ford will be honored for his outstanding accomplishments by the Monticello-Goshen Chapter USHWA when the scribes hold their 54th annual awards banquet at the Fountains on Sands Road in Middletown, N.Y.

On June 25 of this year Ford harnessed his 3,000th career winner and on that date his pupils had collectively earned more than $50 million. Since then Ford sent out another 29 winners who have rewarded their owners with an additional $900,000 in purse money.

USTA photo

Mark Ford

Like most in racing Ford started out slowly working for other trainers. The West Virginia native learned his lessons well, and worked hard to join the cadre of our sport’s most exceptional horsemen.

He credits Clint Galbraith, Ted Wing and Ray Schnittker as being most instrumental in his being able to advance in the sport.

Though noted for conditioning equine millionaires Whosurboy, Turnpike Token, Armbro Animate, Stonebridge Kisses, Self Professed, On The Attack, and double-gaited world champion Six Day War, still his heart hangs heavy for the great Gallo Blue Chip who earned more than $4.26 million, all under Ford’s tutelage, and was named Horse of the Year during the 2000 campaign.

However, to have accumulated more than $50 million in purse money couldn’t have happened without years of consistent success in the overnight ranks as well.

“Right now I’m training about 60 horses,” Ford admits. “It’s certainly a full-time job.”

A few years back Ford and his associates built a fabulous training center which carries a Middletown, N.Y., address but is actually closer to Goshen, N.Y. And as the operator of the Mark Ford Training Center, Ford oversees the multi-million dollar state-of-the-art facility as well as conditioning a huge and successful stable of race horses.

Recently Ford lent his time and staff to help insure the success of the USTA Driving School which was presented at his facility and at Goshen’s Historic Track. The Driving School was so successful that plans are being made to again have the educational organization back in Orange County, N.Y., next season.

Ford is a director of the United States Trotting Association and director of the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey.

Only 41 years of age and already one of harness racing’s top 10 winningest trainers, Ford has lots of time to add to his totals.