13-year-old Jared Seekman wins at Michigan fair

Thirteen-year-old Jared Seekman became the youngest driver in harness racing history to win a purse race on Tuesday when he guided trotter Wallstreet Victory to a two-length triumph over Misty Mae Lane in an amateur race at the Ottawa County Fair in Holland, Mich.

Seekman, the son of trainer Joe Seekman, will turn 14 years old on Aug. 8. He broke the record of Jason Brewer, who was 14 years and one month when he won at New York’s Monticello Raceway on May 12, 1992.

“It was one of the best feelings in the world,” said Seekman, who will be a freshman at Centreville (Mich.) High School in September. “There was a big crowd because it was Wolverine Futurity night; it felt nice to have my first win in front of a big crowd like that.”

Wallstreet Victory, trained by Joe Seekman, is a favorite among the Seekman children. Last year, he provided Travis Seekman, now 17, with his first win. Travis has 20 victories lifetime.

“I’d have to say Travis is the better driver--right now,” Jared Seekman said. “He helps me and tells me how to drive (Wallstreet Victory) because he’s won with him before.”

Seekman plans to race in the remainder of the amateur events on the Michigan fair circuit. He might like to continue driving well into the future.

“It’s fun,” he said. “I think I could do it.” (HRC)

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