by Ayers Ratliff, Northfield Park Publicity Department

Northfield, OH — The 2012 race for Northfield Park’s leading trainer has been tight from the start, with Kevin Ehrhardt leading most of the year. However, Harla “Renae” Loney has recently emerged at the top of the list.

Loney has posted 44 victories over Northfield Park’s Flying Turns in 2012. Don Pfister (41), Larry Clabaugh (40), Kevin Ehrhardt (40) and Darrell Rideout (36) complete the top five.

Harla Renae Loney is originally from Martin, Ky. She and her husband Brian recently purchased a home in Northfield, Ohio. They have three children — 12-year-old son, Gannun; 7-year-old son, Payton; and 3-year-old daughter. Polly.

Loney, 36, said horses are in her blood.

“My grandpa and dad both had horses and I guess I was just brought up in it.”

However, before becoming a trainer in 2002, Loney had started another career. Renae is a graduate of Morehead State University, competing in their equestrian program, and became a teacher. She taught elementary school in Floyd County, Ky., for two years before pursuing her passion in horse racing.

Loney currently trains a stable of 19 horses. She has garnered 186 career victories and purse earnings of $352,696. Her favorite horse was a pacing gelding she trained named Bomb Squad.

Loney emphasized that she loves horses and loves working with them. Her favorite part of the sport, she said, is “getting to the winner’s circle.”