Justin Irvine and Family continue to build legacy in harness racing

At Aurora High School we have many students that participate in unique extracurricular activities. Justin Irvine is one of those students.

Justin and his family participate in harness racing. Harness racing is a form of horse racing in which the horses race at a specific pace. They usually pull a two-wheeled cart called a sulky.

Harness racing is in the Irvine family blood, “I got into it from my father, but his dad was the one who started the family business.” His dad, brother, two of his cousins, and aunt all race.

Justin has not yet begun racing in well-known races, however he spends much time at the track working and preparing for the future. He is typically at the track on Monday nights as well as Saturday and Sunday all day long.

Some of these races include the Confederation Cup, The Woodrow Wilson Pace, Adios Vollo, Battle of Lake Erie, and many more prestigious competitions.

Justin looks forward to soon getting his chance to continue the family tradition.

Justin’s grandfather raced for over 45 years. His father, who is currently still racing, is going on year number fifty. His brother is nearing thirty years while both cousins have raced for nearly twenty years.

Over his whole career, Justin’s father has had an exceptional amount of success. To this day he has earned over thirty-seven million in purse winnings. He also has multiple stake race wins.

He has over 7,000 career wins and received over $600,000 in winnings during the 2015 season. Throughout their many years, the family has also collected many awards for their standout performances.

The family currently races at Northfield Park in Ohio. However, the family has raced from coast to coast including California, Florida, and Maine.

The family currently owns five horses. The names include RV Marcie, Tib on Tab, Nibble and Quick, Esteemed Members, and Flutter on By.

There are many things Justin and his family enjoy about the experience, “We enjoy the people and places that we discover during the season and of course winning is always great. However, being with the horses has to be the most enjoyable part.”

Throughout all of their wins there is one that stands out, “The most memorable moment had to be when my dad won the Indiana Sire Stakes in 2007 when my entire family was there to watch him win.”

The Irvine family has built a true dynasty in the harness racing industry while Justin, his brother, and cousins aim to continue this for years to come.