Lionheart Hanover returned to the winner’s circle on Sunday, May 4, capturing the $19,444 featured trot at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania. It marked his second photo-finish victory in just five days.

Lionheart Hanover sat third early while going over the “sloppy” track, then was moved outside coming off the first turn by driver Ridge Warren, taking the lead in front of the stands. Beaujolais Breeze (Tyler Buter), who was 6-5 despite the outer post eight against the even-money winner, moved uncovered from sixth at the half and grinded his way into contention, but his gritty, steady bid came up shy by a head in a 1:57 mile.

The sophomore gelding Lionheart Hanover (Greenshoe-Lady Riviera), whose 11 victories in 2024 included the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes Fair Championship, is trained by Tony Schadel and is owned by him in partnership with his wife, Linda.

Pocono’s leading driver, Tyler Buter, widened his lead atop the standings by collecting six wins through the muck. He got the victories for six different trainers.

Yogi Sheridan collected wins in every American Harness Drivers Club race on Sunday, taking both divisions at Harrah’s Philadelphia with Classifiedmaterial and Aussie Scooter A before firing up the highway to win the sole dash at Pocono in rein to Mr Contestant.

Racing resumes Monday at 1 p.m., headlined by the final of the $50,000 USD Bobby Weiss Series for three-year-old pacing fillies. Strutsville, undefeated in her three preliminaries, will have to overcome post seven in the finale. Allegra Hanover, who posted two wins and a narrow loss to Strutsville during the series, draws the rail and figures to be a serious contender.

(With files from PHHA/Pocono & AHDC)