Wyatt Avenatti has come a long way from a few years ago to become a popular driver on the Illinois circuit. (Terry Young Photo)

By Mike Paradise for the I.H.H.A.

 By definition, “one who suffers significate setbacks yet still manages to return to a position of success is a Comeback Kid.” Those who have followed the career of Wyatt Avenatti know that the Illinois-based harness racing driver most certainly qualifies for the notable title.

  The now 28-year-old resident of Chrisman, Illinois began driving horses in earnest in 2016 when he was 17 looking to follow in the footsteps his dad David and his grandfather Early Jr, both successful horsemen.

 In his early driving career Wyatt competed mostly on the Illinois County Fair Circuit where his driving opportunities rose from a little over 200 a year to more than 300 while horses he steered made over $100,000 annually in 3 of his first 4 seasons

 However, in 2020, the seemingly healthy 21-year-old got a “gut punch” when doctors diagnosed Wyatt with Hodgin’s lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system. Avenatti was told he had to immediately stop working and to begin Chemotherapy.

 Wyatt quickly followed the doctors’ orders and thankfully he persevered with the help of his wife Kallie and became cancer-free. Nevertheless, he took a big hit that year in drives, with just 97, and financially, when horses he drove earned only $46,049.

 It’s been a steady and successful comeback for Avenatti.

 A year later Wyatt had over 100 more drives, 31 more winners and he was back to six figures in purse money won. In 2022 his drives jumped to 418 with 55 first place finishes and earnings increased by almost $125,000.

 By 2023 Wyatt was given 594 opportunities behind the starting gate, producing 95 winners and his money earned climbed to $438,111. Last year was his largest jump in every personal category. He collected over 900 drives and came up with almost 100 more winners, while his money won total soared to $1.16 million. He also ended up with a very respectable UDRS of .351.

 Any driver will tell it’s not just the number of drives accumulated in a racing season but getting better horses to be behind to achieve a productive career. Wyatt has been increasingly getting more opportunities on “good” horses.

 One of Wyatt’s drives behind a “good” horse is the 5-year-old Kentucky bred gelding Great Seats who he shares ownership with Lane Avenatti. Great Seats has made a bit of a comeback himself.

 Great Seats started his career going winless as a 2-year-old in 13 starts and made under $6,000. However, the pacer was a six-time winner in his sophomore season and banked more than $46,000. Last year the Sweet Lou gelding won 10 races, including a 1:50.4 mile in August at Springfield, and raked in over $72,000 for its proud owners. Great Seats won a pair of Opens and was second two other times at Hawthorne in his last six starts of 2024.

 The Sweet Lou gelding is currently competing at Oak Grove Racing in Kentucky where he has won captured consecutive five figure conditioned events.

 Great Seats was the second foal of the Roll With Joe broodmare That’s The Ticket. Her third foal is the 2024 Breeders Crown 2-year-old filly champion Miki And Minnie, a daughter of Always B Miki.