Brian Cross

Brian Cross (O- T- D)
Saratoga Springs, NY
Birthplace: Bennington, VT
Birthdate: 1/4/67
Colors: Blue-Orange-White

Brian Cross was raised in a harness racing family, with a grandfather and uncle (Jim and Leonard) who drove and trained, a father who owned and drove (Roger Cross), numerous cousins who were all involved with standardbreds, plus his brother John. He began driving in 1983 at the age of sixteen (at Hinsdale and Saratoga) and continued to drive the family’s horses after graduating from high school in 1985.

Brian came to Saratoga in 1987, taking a job as assistant trainer with Brian Walker. He began training his own stable in 1989 with the help of New Hampshire horsemen Bill and Tom McNamara, who engaged Brian to drive and train eight of their horses. Brian won the Johnny Page award for best young driver in 1989.and Peerless McGrath Award for Up-and-Coming Trainer in 1991. In 1992, Brian won the Trainer of the Year award. Brian drove his 1,000th win on August 8th , 1994 with Goalie Barrasso . He recorded his 2000th career driving victory with Behind Enemy lines on July 6, 2004.

In 1994, Brian drove the 1994 Claiming Trotter of the Year, Ha Ha Ewe Louz. In 1995, Brian’s driving career skyrocketed as he’d record 127 wins. In 2003, Brian was honored with the Horseman of the Year Award, while finishing second in both driver and trainer standings. Trained and driven by Brian, Maxie’s David won 2007 Claiming Trotter of the Year. Brian finished his 2008th year third in the driver standings.

Brian won his 3000th win July 11, '09 with Artiology (2009 $7500-$10,000 Claiming Pacer of the Year), and finished 4th in the driver standings.