by Chris Lomon

All roads, it seems, lead to success for horseman Braiden Rhoades.

His harness racing journey, still in its early stages, has been prosperous both on and off the racetrack.

Rhoades, who hails from Garrettsville, located only 45 minutes away from most metropolitan areas in northeastern Ohio, was recently named as the 2024 Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association Terry Holton Youth Award winner.

The annual award is given to an Ohio horseperson between the ages of 13 and 19 who has 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.

They found an ideal recipient in Rhoades, who began his driving career in 2022, adding trainer to his repertoire one year later.

“I am very grateful to be recognized in this way,” said the 19-year-old. “It means a lot, especially because I love racing so much.”

It certainly shows.

After five driving starts in his rookie campaign — Rhoades posted four thirds — he won his first race in 2023, the victory coming with The Bus A, a bay son of Art Major—Rondel Franco N, on Nov. 14 of that year at Northfield Park.

His father, longtime Ohio horseman Bill Rhoades, was the trainer.

“Definitely something you will remember for a long, long time,” said Braiden, of the 3¼-length score in 1:57. “To be able to do it with one of my dad’s horses made it even more special.”

Braiden, who posted 38 wins in his first year of training, developed into a bona fide dual threat in 2024.

He reached career-best marks across the board.

In the race bike, he went 42-48-52 from 443 starts, accompanied by $466,313 in purse earnings. Braiden added 47 wins and $465,789 in purse earnings on the training side.

Highlights were many on a dance card that included appearances across numerous racetracks in Ohio, as well as starts in Pennsylvania and Delaware.

One of the memorable moments came with Downbytheparade, a son of Downbytheseaside—Gracies Parade, trained and owned by Betty Clegg.

The bay gelding, bred in Ohio by Wayne Weaver, held court as the winningest 2-year-old in 2024, making 17 trips to the winner’s circle.

“He is an amazing horse,” said Braiden, who sat behind Downbytheparade on three occasions, winning once and finishing second twice. “You appreciate those moments a lot and you hope you make the most of them.”

Braiden drove Downbytheparade to a runner-up finish at the Delaware (OH) County Fair on Little Brown Jug Day, Sept. 19.

“That was fun – all the people and the amazing atmosphere was just crazy,” he said. “Everything about it was so cool. It was one more thing that made 2024 such a fun year.”

What was the biggest takeaway from his 2024 campaign?

“I think it is that in order to be successful you need to keep raising the bar, keep pushing yourself, and to maintain a strong mentality every day,” Braiden said.

It’s a trifecta that continues to pay dividends for the rising star.

“I worked very hard, helping my dad, and trying to improve every aspect of what I do,” he said.

Braiden lauds his father for the impact he continues to have on his career.

“He has done everything for me,” the younger Rhoades said. “He has given me so many opportunities and been there with me every step of the way. Everything I have learned is from him.

“My dad once told me, ‘Keep a good attitude, keep your mind straight and you’ll be fine.’ And that’s what I do every day.”

It has been a winning formula, no doubt, for the former baseball and wrestling star who graduated from Ashland High School.

Braiden has also been the beneficiary of helpful advice dispensed by some of the sport’s most respected drivers who ply their trade at Northfield.

“I respect the fact that they are willing to help me when they don’t have to,” he said. “Every driver is out there to win, but for them to help me says a lot about their character and who they are.

“Ronnie [Wrenn, Jr.], Aaron [Merriman] and a lot of the other drivers at Northfield take the time to watch the races with me and help me a lot. Nick [Clegg] is always there for me too. Whether it’s something I did right or something wrong, they give me a lot of great advice.”

Words that help further fuel Braiden’s commitment to achieving the career goals, present and future, that he has outlined.

“Long term, I want to be one of the top drivers,” he said. “This year, I am focusing on getting myself in good spots and giving every horse the trip they need to get the best result. Whether I am on a longshot or the favorite, I want to drive that horse to the best of my ability and bring out the best in them. I want to improve from last year and look to double my numbers.”

Braiden has also discovered that the road to victory doesn’t require him to always go the extra mile.

“Being patient within a race is something big,” he said. “I think that has helped me a lot. There were times, in the past, where I would like to race on the outside, but whether it was my dad, the other drivers, or learning it on my own, I realized that rail trips can be very effective.”

As for his best trait in the race bike, Braiden considered his response briefly before offering up his response.

“I think it’s being confident in myself and being confident in the horses I am driving,” he said.

Braiden, a fan of football and the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers, is grateful to have his father close at hand throughout his racing journey.

“My dad and I, in between races, we’ll go play cards or a game of some sort,” Braiden said. “Just being around him and having someone who understands racing inside and out is huge for me.

“I am excited about what lies ahead. It’s a sport that demands hard work and I am happy to put in that work. I love what I do.”