by Susan Schroeder, Minnesota Harness Racing, Inc.

Janesville, MN — After 462 lifetime starts and 120 wins, a race horse certainly deserves to live out his life in leisure. But Tattler’s Jet, at age 17, is back at work, making new harness racing fans one jog cart ride at a time and enjoying his second career.

Tattler’s Jet was the subject of a New York Times article in 2012, calling him the war horse for his longevity on the track. Tattler’s Jet has been retired since then, living at his owner Dave Carter’s farm in Eau Claire, Wis., doing what retired horses do best — eating lots of green grass.

MHRI photo

Tattler’s Jet gets some love from a pair of young fans.

When approached this spring about Tattler’s Jet becoming the Standardbred ambassador at Running Aces, Carter was all for it. One request that Carter had was that Tattler’s Jet be stabled close to his long time trainer, Gene Miller, so Gene could keep an eye on him as he had for most of those 462 starts.

Tattler’s Jet has had a steady Sunday night job giving jog cart rides to four lucky fans who win a drawing at the track. He is paired up with one of Running Aces’ leading drivers, so not only do the fans get the thrill of being behind Tattler’s Jet but they also enjoy talking to the drivers one-on-one.

Minnesota Harness Racing, Inc. gives many backstretch tours during the week so Tattler’s Jet is also giving jog cart rides during the week and allowing people the opportunity to learn about Standardbreds and their care.

Tattler’s Jet was sponsored this year by MHRI, Xtreme Harness, Purina Feeds, Omega Alpha and horseshoer Jason Landers. He has his own Facebook page and everyone who jogs him gets their picture posted on Tattler’s Jet’s page. Those fans also get a special Tattler’s Jet jersey with the large number 17 on the back in reference to his age.

Tattler’s Jet has had a very big impact on the racing fans here in Minnesota; people remember him racing here from 2008 through 2012 and to now get a chance to sit behind him is a dream come true for many.

Tattler’s Jet may not be hearing the roar of the crowd as he is passing under the finish line these days, but he is feeling the gentle touch of a child who after petting Tattler’s Jet declares, “Daddy, I am never going to wash this hand again.”

Tattler’s Jet is making new harness racing fans, one at a time.