Sebastian K was the landslide winner of Racing Moment of the Year for setting the new world record trotting mark of 1:49 at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs on June 28. He took 34 percent of the ballots which more than doubled his nearest competitor for support.
Sebastian K shipped in from Europe early in 2014 and immediately caught the eye of the racing faithful when he won three consecutive starts in 1:50 and change at the Meadowlands. But it was the fourth start at Pocono Downs that will forever be remembered.
That night in the $100,000 Sun Invitational, driver Ake Svanstedt sent Sebastian K off the wings of the gate and straight into the record books. After easily getting the lead and pulling away to a seven length romp, Sebastian K put the exclamation mark on that race by tripping the timer in 1:49 to set the new standard that all trotters will be measured against for the foreseeable future.
Sebastian K went on to win a total of eight races in 2014 and earned $663,853 in purses in North America. But he will always be remembered for the overpowering way he made history.
The Railbird Recognition Awards are a joint venture between the United States Harness Writers Association and the United States Trotting Association and is the only fan voted award in the industry.
The connections of Sebastian K will receive their awards, along with the Dan Patch Horse of the Year and additional human award trophies, on Sunday (February 22) in Orlando.