by Victoria Howard

Writing this story of the Superstar Females of Harness Racing is extra special to me for the subject’s father is not only a long-time friend of mine, but one of the nicest men in harness racing, trainer Tim Twaddle.

For those of you who do not know Twaddle, back in the ’90s, he drove the Jugette and Breeders Crown winner, Towners Image and Breeders Crown winner Hardie Hanover. When Twaddle moved to Pennsylvania to race at The Meadows in the late 90s, he needed housing and I had an available apartment at that time available so he rented it. We immediately became friends and remain so today. The Twaddles are one of the most active families in the industry.

After relocating from his hometown of St. Catherines, ON, he began getting catch drives at The Meadows and soon became one of the top catch drivers, but eventually he decided to start his own stable and today he operates a stable of 25.

His wife Sophia also has deep roots in harness racing. Born in Monroe, MI, Sophia’s brothers were also trainers, and during the summer months she helps out at the barn, adding her knowledge and charm. So, it didn’t surprise me that Tim’s daughter Meadow is following in her father’s footsteps.

But what made Meadow want to pursue working in the sport?

“I wouldn’t say there was one specific ‘ah-ha’ moment, but rather a gradual realization,” Meadow said. “I grew up in the barn and had an interesting lifestyle, to say the least. I mean, how many little girls can tell their friends they can’t hang out because they were traveling for horse racing? Even though I wasn’t as involved back then as I am now, I remember boasting about the family business to everyone who would listen.”

Meadow said there have been many great times, memories and horses.

“My favorite equine was our family horse, Fourever Boy (Sweet Lou—Macharoundtheclock),” she said. “He brought us together as a family; in fact, without him, we wouldn’t have been able to reunite with some of our family members for the last time. What made him even more special to me was the unique bond we shared. He was a stud who didn’t care for attention from others, but he and I just clicked. We had a rare connection that I’ve never experienced with another horse.

“He wasn’t just a horse, he was my best friend, who taught me everything — not just about the sport — but about patience, trust, and dedication. Every single race with Fourever Boy stands out as my favorite moments in the sport. Fourever Boy was everything to me and the memories are priceless.”

In the 2024, the Twaddles had their horse Timeisonmyside in the Adios who finished third.

“For a small stable like ours, that’s an incredibly exciting result and there was a huge turnout,” she said. “It was amazing to see so many people I’ve only connected with through social media. It was humbling to hear how many people who were there that day say that day was one of their favorite memories of 2024.

“I’ve heard how packed with fans The Meadows was on Adios Day in the past years and I’d love to see that kind of enthusiasm for our sport again. The power of social media is hugely underrated in our industry. While many people in the sport stick to traditional methods that have worked for years, it’s clear that we need to adapt to reach a new generation.

“We need to bring the younger generation to the tracks. The real challenge is figuring out how to get them excited about the races. Once we answer that question, we’ll be able to revive the sport and make harness racing popular like it once was. My opinion is that social media is the key.”

Meadow is currently the social media coordinator for the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Association (PHRA). “Over the summer I had the opportunity to travel with them and contribute to their promotional efforts, and I’m grateful they’ve given me the chance to work with them permanently,” she said. “In addition, I write content for Standardbred Canada and take freelance work with The Meadows Standardbred Association (MSOA), besides assisting the Christian Harness Horsemen’s Association (CHHA) with their social media efforts.

“Being actively involved with these organizations I don’t work at the barn in the mornings, but I’m always a phone call away. I’m happy to come in whenever they need an extra hand, especially on busy training or qualifying days.”

This past Christmas, Meadow was gifted a piece of her own horse.

“Her name is Sunflower Hanover [Tall Dark Stranger—Salsalito].” She said. “She’s incredibly special to me because I was the one who picked her out at the Harrisburg sale. I watched her video and went to see her. I fell in love with her and convinced my dad to bid on her. The next morning, she was in our barn. I’m really excited to see what she accomplishes this year and can’t wait to watch her grow and develop.

“I feel so blessed to be doing what makes me most happy. I feel like I’m just getting started and focus on learning everything I can about the industry — whether it’s marketing, content writing, grooming, breeding — you name it. The sky’s the limit. I truly believe the sport has so much potential and I want to play a key role in making it thrive again.”