Holton Youth Award to Rhoades

Grove City, Ohio – Braiden Rhoades of Garrettsvile, Ohio has been named the recipient of the 2024 Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association Terry Holton Youth Award.

Rhoades was born into the harness racing industry.  “He eats, breathes, and sleeps horses,” said his father, Bill. “He works seven days a week, waking up to go to his own successful stable at Northfield Park and then to drive at fairs or onto the racetrack.”

Rhoades began driving in 2022 and won his first race the following year. In 2024, he had 443 starts with a record of 42-48-52, earning $341,229.

Rhoades is even more successful as a young trainer. In two years, he has scored 85 victories, 53 seconds, and 55 third-place finishes in 447 starts. His career earnings are more than $640,000.

“I’m getting to live my dream,” remarked Rhoades. “I’m grateful and honored for all the opportunities I’ve had. Even being nominated for this award is special, let alone winning.”

The Terry Holton Youth Award is awarded to an Ohio horseman between the ages of 13 and 19 who have actively participated in harness racing during 2024 as a driver, trainer, groom, breeder, race office/publicity assistant, track maintenance crew, or has provided outstanding service to harness racing.

The award, in its 22nd year, is named for Terry Holton, a 2005 inductee into the Ohio Harness Racing Hall of Fame.  Holton of Newark, Ohio, was the winner of over 1,700 races in his career.  He overcame many obstacles in his life, the biggest may have been overcoming pancreatic cancer.

Rhoades will be honored at the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association Annual Awards Banquet on January 18, 2025, at the Marriott Columbus Airport in Columbus, Ohio. Seats are sold out.

by Ashley Dailey, for the OHHA