Although it was a season full of challenges, the team at Hanover Raceway can most certainly look back at the 2020 season with a smile after posting handle totals that nearly doubled the 2019 meet.
Hanover concluded its 2020 season on Saturday with a 10-race card. The handle for the 15 cards in 2020 surpassed $768,000 -- a 91.7 percent increase from the $400,972 handle over the same amount of cards in 2019.
"I want to give a huge thank you to the horsemen and women who have supported our racetrack with their attendance and the entry of their horses," said track general manager Steve Fitzsimmons in a statement. "You are the show and a great show this season it was. We also appreciate you rolling with the punches on the protocols we have had to deal with together, to keep us safe. I know it was different for all of us, but you dealt with it without complaint. For that I say thank you.
"As many of you are aware, this was my first season as the General Manager of Hanover Raceway. Even in the middle of a pandemic, it was a pleasure to be here and to be a part of helping to make the Raceway be the best it can be. It's a team effort and I can honestly say that we have a fantastic group of employees, who all take great pride and care in their work and who have done a tremendous job.
"To everyone at home and those who have been able to come to the track, thank you so very much for all of your support, encouragement and positive messages," Fitzsimmons continued. "Many of you have told us how much you enjoy our broadcast of the races, as well as our pre-game show and between races commentary.
"As we look forward to next season, we all share the hope that we'll be able to have as many of you who wish to come to the race track, to be able to do so. Thanks again and stay healthy and safe and see you all in 2021."
The track honoured a number of award winners during its final card of the year.
Tony Elliott presents to award-winning driver Doug McNair
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Dash Winning Driver & Top Percentage Driver - Doug McNair
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Dash Winning Trainer - Patrick Shepherd
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Ray and Lue Leifso Award (Leading Non-Driving Percentage Trainer with top UTRS - Minimum 15 seasonal starts) - John Kennedy
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Ab Fleishauer Horse of the Year Award - Deputy Seelster
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Claimer of the Year - Destiny Cruise
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Bud Fritz Rising Star Award - Austin Sorrie
The feature race of the Saturday card was the Ethel Fritz Memorial Pace, fittingly captured by a horse trained and owned by her son Dale Fritz. Driver Doug McNair guided favoured Podium Seelster to a gate-to-wire win in the $4,500 event.
To view the results from Hanover for its final card of the year, click the following link: Saturday Results - Hanover Raceway.