Yedsit Hazlewood and Brittany Russell concluded 2025 on a high note by securing the jockey and trainer titles at the Laurel Park Fall Meeting. Both were also recognized as the leading jockey and trainer for the year at the TMJC-managed racetrack.
Hazlewood, a promising 17-year-old and strong contender for the 2025 Eclipse Award for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey, dominated the Fall Meet from September 5 to December 28. He achieved 73 wins, outpacing second-place Jevian Toledo by 38 victories. Sheldon Russell and Jorge Luis tied for third with 33 wins each. Hazlewood’s mounts earned $2,465,403, significantly more than Toledo’s $1,516,243.
Some highlights for Hazlewood included three days with four wins each afternoon, one of which was against the notable Maryland Million program led by Jim McKay. He won four stakes races at the meet and achieved at least one win in 23 consecutive race cards. He ended the year strong with three wins in the final three Maryland race days. A Panama native, Hazlewood secured his first career victory on April 4 and, despite a two-month injury hiatus, finished 2025 with 95 wins at Laurel Park and Pimlico—15 more than second-place Russell. Toledo and Jaime Rodriguez tied for third with 75 wins at the TMJC venue. Hazlewood also claimed riding honors at the Maryland State Fair Meeting in Timonium over the summer.
Sheldon Russell maintained the revenue lead at the TMJC track, with his horses earning $3,305,880, closely followed by Hazlewood’s $3,241,308.
Brittany Russell led the fall meet with 48 wins, 18 ahead of runner-up Jamie Ness. Michael Trombetta was third with 24 wins. Russell’s trainees earned $1,825,980, more than Trombetta’s $1,091,183. Brittany participated in 108 Maryland races this year, 25 more than Ness, who won the national title for most wins. Kieron McGee placed third with 44 winners at the TMJC. Russell’s stable earned $4,111,245, surpassing Ness’s $2,760,970.
Married to jockey Sheldon Russell, Brittany often celebrates victories with their children, Edie and Rye. At 36, she secured eight stakes wins during the meet, including two on December 20. This marked her fourth consecutive tournament title at a TMJC facility and her third straight year-end championship. After assisting notable trainers such as Brad Cox, Jimmy Jerkens, Ron Mockett, and Hall of Famer Jonathan Shepherd, she launched her own training career in 2018, winning her first start at Laurel with Oh My on February 25.
The ownership championship at the fall meeting went to a partnership of Madison Avenue Racing Stables, Morris Kernan Jr., and Jaguar Co., who earned 10 wins and $361,065. Joanne Shankle finished second with nine wins, followed by Live Oak Plantation with eight. This partnership notched 26 winners at TMJC tracks in 2025, with Shankle coming in second with 20.
Laurel Park’s live racing returns Friday, January 9, running through Sunday, March 29. Racing will be held Fridays and Saturdays in January, then Fridays through Sundays in February and March, with the first post at noon ET. During opening week, attendees will receive a complimentary 2025 Maryland Racing Calendar while supplies last.
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Fan Take: This update highlights rising stars like Hazlewood and Brittany Russell, signaling a bright future for horse racing with fresh talent making a significant impact. For fans, it underscores the excitement and competitive spirit thriving at Laurel Park and TMJC tracks, promising thrilling seasons ahead.
