Southwind Amazon ties all-time wins record

Northfield, OH — “Step aside, Niffit!” exclaimed track announcer Kenny Livengood as Southwind Amazon tied the all-time modern era harness racing record for wins with a 1:54.4 score on Tuesday (Oct. 29) at MGM Northfield Park.

Southwind Amazon, a 14-year-old son of Camluck, began his racing career in 2012. After a slow start to his career, it was at age 5 that the gelding started to blossom.

Purchased for $30,000 in February 2016 by Ameer Najor and given to trainer Paul Holzman, Southwind Amazon quickly turned heads with a spine-tingling 1:49.2 performance just five starts into his tenure with his new connections.

Throughout much of 2024, Southwind Amazon has been chasing Niffit’s record of 137 wins, and on Tuesday, he equaled that mark while piloted by Justin Irvine in an $8,400 conditioned pace.

I’m A Skoldier (Chris Lems) got the jump on Southwind Amazon into the initial turn, but Irvine pushed Southwind Amazon to the lead entering the backstretch, arriving at the quarter in a swift :26.4. Irvine backed the pace down in the second quarter, arriving at the half in :56.1. Entering the backstretch, White Hair Rocks (Keith Kash Jr.) tipped to the outside, towing Honali (Hunter Myers) as the pair tried to start a bid on Southwind Amazon, who continued to cruise on the front end past three-quarters in 1:25. Turning for home, Irvine implored Southwind Amazon for more, as he cruised to an impressive record-tying victory, winning by 2-1/4 lengths.

“We have been waiting for so long for this moment; I can’t explain how happy we all are for Southwind Amazon,” said an emotional Holzman. “I can’t put my emotions into words; all day, I felt it could be the day.”

SOUTHWIND AMAZON REPLAY

Irvine has had a lot of firsts this year, including driving in his first Grand Circuit event, but he said that helping the connections earn this achievement is one of the top moments of this year.

“I’m thrilled for these guys. I’m extremely thankful for the opportunity to drive such a nice horse,” said the 22-year-old reinsman.

Southwind Amazon pushed his career earnings to $1,496,374.

“Going to the track with my dad when I was young, I never thought I would have a horse like this,” said Holzman. “I’m so thankful.”

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Michael Carter, for MGM Northfield Park