Brue Hanover won the first $40,000 Open Pace of the year at Woodbine Mohawk Park, surging late off cover to post his first victory since July on Saturday, Jan. 3.

Brue Hanover, a seven-time Preferred winner at Mohawk in 2025, flew into the first turn outside of post-one starter Saulsbrook Victor (Brett MacDonald), returning to Mohawk after racing in the U.S. for much of last year, and Remember The Alamo (Tyler Borth), who took five top-level events at Mohawk last season. Saulsbrook Victor emerged with early control, paying the price of a :26 first quarter to get it, while Remember The Alamo tucked into the pocket and Brue Hanover dropped back to third. Taurasi (Doug McNair) angled off the cones from fourth nearing the half in :55.2, and James MacDonald slid Brue Hanover out behind him, getting the jump on Its Saturday Night (Jody Jamieson).

The group of six raced three-in-three-out to three-quarters in 1:23.4 with Saulsbrook Victor in front. The pacesetter showed signs of wear at the eighth pole, and Taurasi, Brue Hanover, and Its Saturday Night all began to encroach. Taurasi was first to strike the front, but Brue Hanover steamrolled up to his outside and got by him late to prevail by a head in 1:51.4. Taurasi held second over Its Saturday Night.

Brue Hanover secured his first win in four starts since returning to the races in November after three months away. The Dave Menary-trained gelding improved his placing in each start since Nov. 22, finishing fourth, third, second, and now first. Burke Racing Stable LLC of Fredericktown, Pa. and Weaver Bruscemi LLC of Canonsburg, Pa. own the son of Stay Hungry-Blind Ambition. The six-year-old is now 32-for-87 lifetime with a bankroll of $675,265. He returned $3 to win.

In addition to their Open win, MacDonald and Menary were recognized as Mohawk's leading driver and trainer of 2025, respectively, during the card. MacDonald took his fifth straight driving crown, tallying 350 wins last year, and led the oval in earnings with $7,672,509. Dave Menary’s 114 victories topped the conditioners, and he recorded $2,960,389 in earnings at Mohawk to finish second behind Ron Burke.

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

(Standardbred Canada)