Grove City, OH — It was smooth sailing for Sea Silk in 2022. The top filly freshman pacer in the state in 2021 defended her title as a sophomore and was named the 2022 Ohio 3-year-old Filly Pacer of the Year.

Sea Silk earned $477,062 in 2022. Conrad photo.

The daughter of Downbytheseaside hit the board in 11 of 14 starts, winning eight. Sea Silk won all four legs of the Ohio Sires Stakes, the Ohio Sires Stakes Championship, the Ohio State Fair Stakes and the USS Indianapolis Memorial. She also finished second in the Jugette.

Owned by Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, Knox Services, and Hatfield Stables and bred by Steiner Stock Farm, Sea Silk earned $477,062 in 2022.

Trainer Ron Burke said it is difficult to repeat as a divisional champion.

“She had a hard 2-year-old year. She’s not the soundest horse in the world and for her to fight through it for two years and do it in back-to-back years is impressive.”

Sea Silk will be honored at the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association annual awards banquet Jan. 14 at the Hilton Columbus-Polaris in Columbus, Ohio.

The 2022 Ohio Horse of the Year will be announced at the annual awards banquet.