Speeding Star | Speeding to become a Star!

Speeding Star is a 2017 Follow the Stars mare who began her racing career in 2020 with breeder and harness trainer, Brian Ferguson. After a career of 32 starts to claim two wins, three seconds and five thirds, Speeding Star retired in June of 2023 with career earnings of $22,852.

Following retirement, Speeding Star was retained by breeders, Rebecca Desmond and partner, Brian Ferguson, with the intention to develop her into a competitive riding mount. Rebecca had educated Speeding Star throughout her racing career to establish riding basics, giving her an advantage in her off the track retraining. Known around the stables as ‘Princess’, Rebecca describes this mare as a very entertaining horse to have around as she has a large personality and extreme sass. Since retiring, Princess and Rebecca have begun to focus on allowing this talented mare to have time to develop strength and balance through consistent dressage training.

“I love the temperaments of Standardbreds in general. They are willing with a great work ethic,” Rebecca said.

At only her first show, after two weeks of consistent training, Speeding Star and Rebecca Desmond attended the SPPHAWA State Dressage Championships to come away with the Preparatory State Champion title.

“Possibly the best thing about attending and winning at the SPPHAWA State Dressage Championships was my partner Brian saying it brought a tear to his eye when they announced us as the winners. He was so proud of us!” recalled Rebecca fondly.

Rebecca aims to compete Speeding Star at Henty Winter Dressage Championships in a few weeks, hoping for a solid and consistent test. Long term, Rebecca hopes to compete Speeding Star competitively throughout the dressage levels, championing the talent of standardbreds in dressage.

OTTWA wish Rebecca and Speeding Star all the best for their future together.