A number of the young harness racing drivers on the Chicago circuit made great strides in 2014 but none were greater than the giant leap that came from Travis Seekman.
The 24-year-old Michigan native, who now resides with his wife Desirae in Beecher, Illinois, had 60 more winning drives than in any other season and more than five times his total in 2013.
“Definitely having more opportunities is the main reason and I did so much better,” said Travis. “With those opportunities come more chances to learn. I’m a little older now and I know how important it is to do well when those chances do come along.
“It’s a continuous learning process out there and as you do better it gives you more confidence in yourself. And trainers see that and trust you more with of their good horses.”
When the opportunity arrived to drive a top-notch horse, Travis often took advantage of that situation.
A few examples are Travis driving Bi Poplar Rose to her 2-year-old Lincoln Land Championship, winning the Super Night Tony Maurello elimination and a Balmoral Invite with Iam Bonasera, and steering Kanaris to a trio of victories that include an open handicap victory at Northfield in Ohio.
Travis and his wife own a few horses racing on the circuit.
“It gives us something to do together,” said Seekman. “It’s been nice working side by side with her and also having her in the winner’s circle to enjoy the success of a ictory.”
Seekman ended up with 937 drives last year, that’s 300 more than his previous highest total in 2010 and 768 more drives than he had in 2013 when he had 25 winners.
We’ve only had a couple of weeks of racing this far on the local scene however Travis has already visited the winner’s circle 10 times in his first 36 opportunities.
Racing on the Chicago circuit swings back into action Thursday night at Maywood Park with its 10-race card.
By Mike Paradise
The Illinois Harness Horsemen's Association