Betty and Tony Infilise of Hudson Standardbred Stable, together with Mark and Shawn Steacy, have announced that Sylvia Hanover has been officially retired from racing.

The five-year-old daughter of Always B Miki - Shyaway will soon travel to Kentuckiana Farms in Kentucky to begin an exciting new chapter as a broodmare. 

"Sylvia has provided countless unforgettable moments for the Infilise family, the entire Team Steacy, and the many fans who have cheered her on over the past four years," said the Infilises in a statement issued on Saturday, Nov. 1. "She earned two Breeders Crowns, numerous Grand Circuit stakes victories, and an impressive 27 wins with career earnings of $3,172,024 (US$2,268,468)."

This year, Sylvia Hanover set a world record on a five-eighths mile track with a time of 1:47.2 at Plainridge Park, winning the Clara Barton Distaff Pace over Twin B Joe Fresh. She was recognized as Two Year-Old Pacing Filly of the Year in both Canada and the United States in 2022, and again as Three-Year-Old Pacing Filly of the Year in both countries in 2023. She also earned Canada’s Somebeachsomewhere Horse of the Year title in 2023. 

"We sincerely thank everyone who has been part of Team Sylvia for making her journey so special, especially her fans whose support meant so much throughout her career," the statement continued. "The care and affection shown to Sylvia, exemplified by her devoted groom Natasha Steacy, were truly remarkable. The guidance, stewardship, and management provided by Shawn and Mark Steacy are deeply appreciated by our family.  In addition, we so appreciated the caring and skilled manner of Bob McClure who drove Sylvia for most of her career and carefully guided her development and taught her the key early lessons which contributed to her four years of racing at the top level.

"Following her final two starts, including a fourth-place finish in the Breeders Crown, an MRI was conducted on her right foot and fetlock. While most findings were positive, an injury to her collateral ligament was discovered, requiring approximately four months of rest. Although her prognosis for a racing return was favourable, we have chosen to retire her now and look forward with great excitement to cheering on her future foals."

A 2026 stallion date for Sylvia Hanover has yet to be decided.

(Standardbred Canada & Hudson Standardbred Stable)