Grove City, OH – Following his best season yet, Racing Rebel has been named the 2025 Ohio Aged Horse and Gelding Pacer of the Year.
After recording a combined eight victories in 2023 and 2024, the 4-year-old son of Racing Hill out of Awakening won nine races in 2025 to go with two seconds and three thirds in 23 starts while banking $221,110. He also bested his lifetime mark by a full two seconds, pacing in 1:48.2 at Eldorado Scioto Downs on Aug. 2.
The season included wins in six Open-level events and the $100,000 #SendItIn Invitational and runner-up finishes in the $100,000 Myron Charna President’s Pace and the $100,000 Ohio Sires Stakes Veteran’s Championship. The Ron Burke trainee was primarily driven by Chris Page.
“Racing Rebel was a complete surprise,” Burke said. “We bought him thinking he’d be a nice horse, and he turned out to be a great horse.”
Racing Rebel was bred by Marjorie Polhamus, who is a co-owner with Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, and Page. He has hit the board in 36 of 56 lifetime starts with 17 wins and earnings of $459,842.
“He’s a little horse and is just the nicest, sweetest horse to be around,” Polhamus said. “I got a call about selling him, but I did keep a part of him because I didn’t want to let all of him go. Chris Page has been awesome driving him. He’s a nice all-around racehorse. He gives it his all. I’m really proud of him.”
Racing Rebel will be honored at the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association Annual Awards Banquet on Jan. 10, 2026, at the Renaissance Columbus-Westerville in Westerville, OH.
The 2025 Ohio Horse of the Year will be announced at the awards banquet.
For more information:
Wes Mayberry
wmayberry@ohha.com
614-221-3650
The Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association (OHHA) is a non-profit organization serving Standardbred horse owners, breeders, trainers, drivers, and fans who participate in the sport of harness racing in the Buckeye State.
OHHA was founded in 1953. The mission of the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association is to preserve, protect, promote, and serve the entire Standardbred industry in Ohio and beyond.