Rachel Leonard is programmed to succeed in harness racing
by Victoria Howard
This week’s superstar is Rachel Leonard, a second-generation horsewoman who grew up in Michigan around standardbreds.
Her father, Mark Matthews was a trainer/driver/owner who raced at the county fairs and pari-mutuel tracks and would take his daughter with him often. Her mother was also involved in the sport starting out as a teller before working in the mutuels department at Northville Downs, so it came as no surprise that their daughter would choose to devote her life to the industry.
Leonard, along with her husband Ross Leonard, who happens to be a third-generation horseman from Chicago, train a stable of 12 horses which they own or co-own with partners.
“We have lived in Indiana since 2013,” Rachel said. “In 2017 my husband and I purchased a farm a few miles from Hoosier Park, where we live today with our daughter Grace. Grace is already a horse lover and loves to help jog and ride her pony.
“Currently, our stable consists of racehorses, [pacers and trotters] a few colts, and several riding horses. We race our horses mainly at Hoosier Park, Miami Valley, and Dayton Raceway.”
Recently you took on the job as program coordinator at the Harness Horse Youth Foundation (HHYF) What does your job entail?
“I schedule, organize, and lead the summer and outreach programs. I’m also responsible for the daily care of our six HHYF horses during the summer months, as well as shipping them as needed to all the events.”
It sounds like an important job which will keep you quite busy. Is there a special reason you took on the job at HHYF?
“Yes, I know the position is going to make my life busier than it already is, helping my husband at the barn, racing horses, and raising our daughter, but I think it’s my duty to join HHYF for our industry needs as much help as it can get.
“Also, being brought up in the sport I wanted to go back to my roots where it all began for me, working along with my father.”
Would you please tell our readers exactly what HHYF is and how it helps the sport of harness racing?
“HHYF is a wonderful charitable organization that helps educate our younger generation about standardbreds and racing fundamentals. Our hope is to empower the students with skills that extend beyond the track and foster a lifelong love for learning and personal growth.
“Some people think that HHYF is trying to produce drivers, trainers, caretakers, etc., who will come in immediately as active participants; if we do that, that is obviously fantastic. However, at HHYF our ultimate goal is to introduce young people and their families to harness racing. Through our programs, we promote racing as well as open up related career opportunities for students such as veterinary and sports medicine, journalism, photography or even accounting and politics.
“During the late spring and early fall months, we visit 4-H clubs and horse fairs; we present at agricultural days and schools. Our itinerary also includes outreach events such as Breyerfest where 30,000 pre and teenage horse lovers attend. We have a cooperative effort at the National FFA convention which attracts 60,000 plus high school students who share a love of agriculture.
“HHYF also provides scholarships to young equine enthusiasts, giving them the financial support they need to pursue their dreams while also encouraging academic and career growth in harness racing. “Lastly, we are always improving or creating educational resources to take our message even farther.
We all recognize that harness racing needs fresh ideas, and young enthusiastic blood to help keep our industry alive. We are in a critical time. HHYF projects a positive light to the future, and I feel lucky to be able to be involved. I feel it will take me back to my roots, when racing horses was much more about the love of the horse.”
The sport desperately needs new faces and HHYF helps to bring them in. Would you tell us what goes on in the summer programs?
“Beginning in June once schools are out, HHYF travels with our six beloved trottingbreds, their equipment, and teaching materials to different locations, primarily racetracks and training centers, offering hands-on programs giving kids ages 11 and older the opportunity to be one-on-one with horses and explain harness racing. These can be one or two day “camps” where attendees learn grooming, harnessing, and hitching. Of course, the highlight is getting to jog around the track while sitting beside an assistant driver. We also offer a next level sleepover leadership camp which lasts five days for those who want deeper involvement.
“HHYF has created new awareness of harness racing to thousands of young people and has traveled more than 500,000 miles since 1999.”
Is there anything that HHYF is in need of, and how can people help?
“Yes. As a not-for-profit grassroots organization we need industry support at all levels. From racetracks to horsemen’s associations to owners, breeders, trainers, and drivers, and we welcome new volunteers too.”
What does HHYF have planned for 2026?
“HHYF is set to have a very busy year since we already have 26 educational events planned, plus we will be celebrating our 50th anniversary in Lexington during Kentucky Futurity weekend.
“We have already begun our 4-H club visits locally. We will be traveling to Ohio, Kentucky, New York, New Jersey, along with other stops yet to be finalized.”
Harness racing needs help, and fast! What once was one of the most exciting sports to be in, is quickly declining. Racetrack after racetrack is shutting its doors and more people are getting out. Why do you think this is?
“I believe there are several reasons. First, “a monopoly effect” is happening. The family stable who at one time was the heart of our sport is becoming a novelty; the smaller stables who rely on a few horses to survive are struggling to keep afloat.
“There are a handful of dominant stables who make it hard for the little guy to compete. With deep pockets to purchase high-end stakes colts, the owners feel the pressure to use the trainer who has a large stable which makes it difficult to compete.
“The days when harness racing was so much fun, when horsemen raced at the fairs and rooted for one another are sadly a thing of the past. Thus, another reason I took the job at HHYF. I understand it may be impossible to go back to the time where dad and I once were; I do believe that HHYF helps bring in fresh faces — and who knows — one day harness racing may experience a renaissance of sorts.”
Note: Congratulations to HHYF for celebrating 50 years and to Ellen Taylor for her induction into the Communicators Hall of Fame! If you are interested in finding out more about HHYF or would like to be a volunteer, visit www.hhyf.org or contact Rachel at [email protected].
