(This is the second of three stories on local harness horseman that are passing the torch to their children as Brian Jones, Kent Wilcox and Tom Hope turn the keys over to the next generation.)

Harness horse racing now in the hands of the next generation
Passing the torch: Kent and Kerby Wilcox 
By George Starks

DARKE COUNTY- At a very young age, Hollansburg native, Kent Wilcox learned the value of horses from the late Marion and Todd Stevens. 

With over 30 years under his belt as a trainer, Wilcox started training his son Kerby when he was young. 

Today, at the age of 32, Kerby has become a figurehead in the Harness Horseman’s Association and is currently serving the role of president of the association. 

“I use to come to the races at the fair (Darke County) with Marion and Todd and that’s when I became interested in horses,” said Wilcox. “Marion was a trainer and driver and Todd and I were really good friends and we were always around the races so that’s where I got my interest in horses.” 

Now, the next Wilcox generation has stepped up to the plate to take the reins. 

“I’m tickled to death for him,” said Kent. “I want to basically turn it all over to him. One of these days, I’m going to retire and I might mess with one or two but I don’t want five or six to deal with. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication. These younger kids are able to keep up with the horses because they’re going so much faster. They are patient and patience is hard to come by in this business.” 

At the start of the season, Kent gave Kerby his pick of two year olds to train. Kerby chose Cherokee Hunter. 

“I liked the way he was bred,” Kerby admitted. “I just took my time and was patient with him and he’s doing well.” 

In a sport that has seen the numbers drop, Kerby is starting to see those numbers growing again. 

“The spring matinee was one of the best attended matinee’s we’ve ever had,” said Kerby. 

“I think I liked watching the races when I was a kid and because of being around the business as a kid, it was easy for me to get into. I’ve always been interested in the business of training and I enjoy it. I have a love for animals, all kinds of animals. My dad has taught me everything about how to treat the animal and earn the horse’s trust.” 

Kerby went on to say that anyone can become a member in the Harness Horseman’s Association. 

“You don’t have to own a horse or even train one,” Kerby stated. “If you are a fan and you want to join, you can. A lot of people don’t even know there is a Horseman’s Association.” 

Only at the helm of the association for five months, Kerby said he’s already seen a spark of interest in the association. 

“We’ve had a lot of people volunteer to help out at the events,” Kerby said. “We are going to have a banquet in February. It will be open to the public and the meal will be catered with a $10 fee at the door for the meal.” 

Wilcox said if anyone is interested in becoming a member, they can contact him at 937-996-0013 or 937-459-0414. He can also be reached by email at kwilcox@gmail.com. 

At the present time, Kerby’s oldest daughter, seven year old Kiersten is learning the business of being a trainer as she gets to ride with her dad when he’s jogging a horse.