Gaines Hanover became the sport's newest millionaire in style on Monday (Oct. 13) at Woodbine Mohawk Park, leading every step of the way in the $40,000 Open 2 Trot which highlighted the 12-race Thanksgiving program.

Gaines Hanover had pilot Bob McClure in the bike for the trotting feature, leaving from the outside post seven as the 2-1 second choice in the wagering. Gaines Hanover was pointed to the front early, sweeping down off the wings to grab control through a hot :26.3 first quarter. Gaines Hanover went unchallenged in the middle portion of the mile, leading to the field to the half in :55.3 before taking the field to three-quarters in 1:24.1 clear by 1-1/2 lengths.

Pocket-sitter Osceola (Doug McNair) took aim at the leader turning for home, while Safe Conduct (Chris Christoforou) began to crank up a rally from third. Digging in with a :27.4 last quarter, Gaines Hanover fended off the challengers to get to the wire first in the three-across battle a neck in front in 1:52. Safe Conduct just edged out Osceola for the place position.

Trained by Justin Turcotte for owner Gestion J Y Blais Inc of Montreal, QC, Gaines Hanover has won four of 16 on the season. The five-year-old Cantab Hall-Gatka Hanover gelding was bred by Hanover Shoe Farms and is a 16-time winner in 58 career tries while banking $1,009,467. Gaines Hanover returned $6.60 to win at the betting windows.

While Gaines Hanover was the equine star of the night, driver Doug McNair led the human connections by winning five of 12 on the card. 

McNair picked up wins with Medley Seelster ($2.20, 1:53.4), Wicked Express ($3.70, 1:51.1), Sunday Shoes ($2.50, 1:54.3), Bella Cavalla ($37.80, 1:53.2) and HF Pans Shadow ($3,50, 1:50.4).

The win with Medley Seelster was in the lone Pop-Up Series division for Ontario Sired three-year-old trotting fillies who were non-winners of $100,000 in 2025 as of Oct. 1. The victory with Sunday Shoes was in the second division of the male counterpart, while the other split went to Flanagan Sunshine ($12.60, 1:53.4) and driver Phillippe Hudon.

To view Monday's harness racing results, click the following link: Monday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.

(Standardbred Canada)