Chris Ryder, a New Zealand native, reflects on his journey from humble beginnings in harness racing to the pinnacle of the sport. Starting out with modest horses at Freehold Raceway, Ryder’s career trajectory took him to the U.S., where he eventually received the prestigious honor of being inducted into the U.S. Harness Racing Hall of Fame.
With a career purse earnings of $61 million, Ryder’s selection to the Hall of Fame Class of 2025 came as a great surprise to him. Despite not expecting the honor, Ryder humbly accepted the recognition, emphasizing the importance of letting his horses speak for themselves and keeping to the basics of the sport.
Preparation for the induction ceremony in Goshen, NY, has given Ryder time to reflect on his career and craft his induction speech. While not known for public speaking, Ryder is grateful for the support he has received from industry colleagues, former owners, and well-wishers from around the globe.
One of Ryder’s standout horses, Twin B Joe Fresh, has been a pivotal part of his success, earning nearly $3 million and claiming Horse of the Year honors in 2024. This prolific pacer, along with other notable horses trained by Ryder, has solidified his reputation as a top trainer in the industry.
Ryder’s dedication to the sport goes beyond accolades and earnings. He values integrity, respect for others, and the ability to make a comfortable living for his family. With a focus on maintaining a good reputation and treating people right, Ryder has built a successful career based on hard work and dedication.
As he prepares for his induction into the Hall of Fame, Ryder looks forward to sharing the moment with his family, including his wife, two sons, and visiting sister from New Zealand. The upcoming ceremony in New York represents a culmination of Ryder’s journey from his roots in New Zealand to becoming a respected figure in American harness racing.
Joining the ranks of harness racing royalty, Ryder will stand alongside other esteemed inductees in the class of 2025. His legacy as a trainer, mentor, and ambassador for the sport reflects a lifetime of dedication and passion for harness racing, solidifying his place among the sport’s elite.
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