Hanover Raceway closed out its 2012 live racing schedule on Saturday afternoon with a special 14-race card. As part of the day’s festivities, the half-mile oval handed out its season-ending hardware to its top horses and horsepeople.
Despite a losing effort on Saturday, Donegal Mac took home the highest honour as the 2012 Ab Fleischauer Horse of the Year. The 10-year-old gelding won four times in Hanover during 2012 and earned four second place finishes and three thirds. Tom Williscraft trains the veteran pacer for owner Patrick McIlhargey of Lucan, Ont.
“He’s definitely the best claim he’s ever made," said Williscraft. "I’ve had him three years now and this season he just battled every week. He likes this track and he gets around the turns good. I think he was in the top three just about every start. He’s 10 years old and takes a bit of maintenance, but for the most part he just goes to work and he’s been great. He deserves a bit of a break now.”
The distinction of Hanover Raceway’s top trotter went to rookie P C Dream Ticket, who capped off a fairly productive first season with a win in the Balanced Image final in September. Peter Clements of Dobbinton, Ont. trains the two-year-old trotter, and hopes that he’ll have a big sophomore campaign.
Fresh Herb took home top claimer honours and former trainer Bryan Lawrence was on hand to accept the award. The five-year-old gelded son of Camluck won five times in Hanover during the 2012 summer meet and earned five seconds and two thirds.
In the horsemen categories, it was a familiar story as Paul Taylor and Trevor Henry took home the training and driving titles, respectively. Each won their 10th title as top dash winning trainer or driver.
For Taylor, 2012 marked the 10th straight year that he took top spot in the training standings. Raceway official Gail Murray accepted the award on behalf of the trainer, who dedicated the award to his mother, Joyce Taylor, who passed away recently. Joyce was a longtime Standardbred Canada field rep, who was employed at a number of tracks including Hanover Raceway for many, many years.
“Joyce was a great lady and was loved by so many people in the sport,” noted Murray.
On the track, the day belonged to Bruce Richardson, who nabbed four wins on the 14-race card. Garrett Rooney also had a good day on the track, winning three of his drives, including the Hanover Rona 10th, aboard Just Asign To Me.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Hanover Raceway.
(With files from Hanover Raceway)