Piwniuk blessed with amazing 2023 in the bike

It takes a lot of work to build solid driving numbers in Manitoba, with only a handful of harness race days and a modest purse size. That didn’t stop Blake Piwniuk from putting up an unprecedented season that had been unseen before on the small prairie circuit.  

During the three-day mini-meet held at Miami Fair, Piwniuk won 14 out of 21 races and had a UDRS of .714. The next highest driver in wins only had three during the three days of racing at the fair track. He capped off the meet by steering Keystone Tenacious to a track record of 1:55.4

Even though Piwniuk will receive a lot of praise for his efforts, he shares the credit with those who allowed him to shine.

“It feels great to have accomplished such a year,” said Piwniuk. “However, I owe a lot to Trevor Williams, Travis Ellis and their whole team because they gave me the drives. I received more than enough support from them and the owners. I wouldn’t be here without them, and I am glad I am here.”

The high-pace effort continued at the Loop in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Piwniuk added another 42 wins. Over the (13?) days of racing in Manitoba at both tracks, Piwniuk had 51 wins in 94 starts. Over the four months of racing, he accumulated over $162,5000 in earnings and added a couple of stake races to his resume.

The season’s first big race was the Lady Crocus Stakes, and Piwniuk found himself in the winner’s circle in the first division. He was teamed up with the three-year-old filly, Maching Millions (Andreoli Hanover), and the duo went 2:04.0

LADY CROCUS REPLAY

He was also abroad, Handsome Dan (State Treasure), for the win in the historical 76th Manitoba Great Western Stakes.

MANITOBA GREAT WESTERN STAKES REPLAY

In this sport, success is often found when there is a well-put-together team with great people at different facets to ensure everything runs smoothly. For example, the great Secretariat had not only his passionate owner, Penny Chenery, but also Hall of Fame trainer Lucien Laurin and jockey Ron Turcotte. No one can tell how the story would have turned out if the characters differed. The same can be said regarding Piwniuk and his partner in crime, trainer Trevor Williams.

Both have amassed an unheard-of number of wins and earnings this summer, and something has just clicked between the two. They have earned the trust of their owners and have done together what others have had trouble doing.

“Trevor (Williams) is the man, Piwniuk said grinningly. “I love being teamed up with him and the whole crew. He always gives me good mounts, and they are the real deal. It is a privilege to sit behind their stock and get to drive. We have some great owners, too, and I appreciate their support.”

Without the low points in life, the high points would not feel so sweet. Piwniuk has his fair share of hard times, and none more potentially career-ending than after he was involved in a driving accident in 2022. 

“There has been a lot of ups and downs over the last couple of years,” says Piwniuk. I got run over in a wreck last year, which hurt and took time to heal up. It’s tough to return from injury, but everyone around me made it much easier.”

With numbers like this, Piwniuk could quickly move up the tiers and try to earn a standing at a bigger track, but winning at home feels better.

“This is my home, so it’s great to be,” said Piwniuk. “It’s great to get the wins in front of family and close connections. I’d always pick me home stomping grounds, and being out here is a privilege.”

Although Manitoba is home, he is still driving in Alberta over the winter months and is still finding success. Piwniuk has picked up another five wins in 37 starts at Century Mile. Not only has he added a few more wins, but he has also earned another $29,016 in earnings. One of his wins was with his old friend, Keystone Tenacious. The eight-year-old gelding pulled Piwniuk in the sulky for a 1:51 mile, which is the fastest in his driving career.

KEYSTONE TENACIOUS REPLAY

It will likely be another six months before racing starts again at the Loop, so Piwniuk will have some time to enjoy his achievement before the work begins at his home track. He will stay busy at Century Mile for the time being when Williams or Ellis needs him to suit up.

by Trey Colbeck, for Harnesslink