Winbak Farm has announced the passing of O’Brien Award winner Rustler Hanover, p, 2, 1:52.3; 3,1:51 ($971,638). The 27-year-old stallion passed away on Nov. 29.

“Rustler Hanover will be missed by the Winbak Farm team,” said Jack Burke, General Manager. “He had been retired from breeding for a few years but had a happy retired life at Winbak Farm of Delaware.”

Rustler Hanover, a son of Western Hanover out of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame broodmare Rich N Elegant, was a half-brother to Hall of Famer Rocknroll Hanover, p, 2, 1:49.4; 3, 1:48.3 ($3,069,093), and Royalflush Hanover, p, 2, 2:03.2h; 3, 1:51.2f; 1:49.3 ($2,182,205).

“Rustler Hanover was a gorgeous individual, who had a stellar pedigree and outstanding performance as a racehorse,” said Joe Thomson, Winbak Farm Owner. “He was associated with Winbak Farm for over 20 years and we were proud to stand him in Canada and in Delaware.”

In 1997, Rustler Hanover won the O’Brien Award and OJC Award for two-year-old pacing colts. He won six races highlighted by the Metro Pace final, Abe Lincoln Stakes, Nassagaweya Stakes, Breeders Crown elimination and Arden Down Stakes. He was second in the Governor's Cup final, Champlain Stakes and Metro Pace elimination.

At three, Rustler Hanover won eight races including the Confederation Cup elimination and final, Nat Christie Memorial Pace elimination and final, Burlington Stakes and Meadowlands Pace elimination. He was second in the Art Rooney Pace elimination and North America Cup elimination.

“Rustler Hanover was a fast racehorse who went on to sire many rich performers,” said Burke.

Rustler Hanover sired 12 winners of $500,000+ highlighted by: Keystone Horatio, p, 2, 1:51s; 3, 1:50.2f; 1:48.4s ($1,595,154); Armbro Acquire, p, 3, 1:52.3s; 1:49.2 ($1,046,478); and Alastor Hanover, p, 2, 1:52.3f; 3, 1:51.3f; 1:50.1f ($870,612).

Rustler Hanover had also found success as a broodmare sire, including being the sire of the dams of: Wrangler Magic, p, 2, 1:53.3s; 3, 1:50.2s ($1,109,560); Steelhead Hanover, p, 2, 1:52.3f; 3, 1:50f; 1:48.3f ($577,450); and Sprig Hanover, p, 2, Q1:57.3s; 3, 1:52.1s ($440,897), the dam of Downbytheseaside, p, 2, 1:49; 3, 1:48.3f ($2,283,068).

“We want to thank the many breeders who bred to Rustler Hanover during his stallion career,” said Thomson. “We also want to thank the members of the Rustler Hanover syndicate for their support.”

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the connections of Rustler Hanover.

(With files from Winbak Farm)