Jurassic Hattie named Ohio Aged Mare Trotter of the Year

Grove City, Ohio – After compiling over $200,000 in earnings this season, Jurassic Hattie has been named the 2025 Ohio Aged Mare Trotter of the Year. Owned and bred by Jerry Welch, Jurassic Hattie hit the board in 13 of 18 starts this season with six victories to go with five seconds and two thirds.

The 4-year-old Volstead mare out of High Gear Sahbra bankrolled $224,130 on the year and recorded a lifetime mark of 1:50.4 at Miami Valley Raceway on April 30. Her highlight wins included the $100,000 Ohio Sires Stakes Veterans Championship and a division of the Ohio Breeders Championship Aged Trot.

The Stacey Van Huizen trainee finished second in the $250,000 Dayton Oaks Derby Grand Circuit event. Jurassic Hattie has a career record of 15-13-2 in 38 starts with $665,994 in earnings.

“She’s been a lot of fun and is deserving of this recognition. I want to thank trainer Eric Nesselroad for the first two years that she raced and Stacey Van Huizen and driver Brett Miller for taking her over as a 4-year-old and continuing with her progress,” Welch said.

“From the time she was little, she was always outstanding. She’s super nice to be around in the barn, but when she goes out to race, it’s all business for her. She’s a professional — she does her job and takes it seriously.”

Jurassic Hattie will be honored at the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association Annual Awards Banquet on Jan. 10, 2026, at the Renaissance Columbus-Westerville in Westerville, Ohio. The 2025 Ohio Horse of the Year will be announced at the awards banquet.

From Wes Mayberry for the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association