The connections of Elver Hanover reported on Tuesday, June 23 that the millionaire pacer and former world champion has been officially retired from racing.

Purchased from the Ohio Select Sale as a yearling by Burke Racing Stable, Bridgette Jablonsky, Jason Melillo and Jandt Silva - Purnel And Libby, Elver Hanover was trained throughout his racing career by Ron Burke. As a two-year-old, he was named the 2019 Ohio Horse of the Year and took his lifetime mark of 1:48.3 in a Bluegrass Stakes division at The Red Mile; at the time, it was a world record for a freshman male pacer. 

Elver Hanover never raced in a claimer and competed at the top Open level each year he raced. His last race was on Dec. 21, 2025 at Northfield Park. Now nine years old in 2026, Elver Hanover retires with 35 wins from 170 lifetime starts and $1,010,194 in earnings.  

Elver Hanover's connections describe the gelding as an extremely kind and gentle horse who loves people and his interactions with them. Having spent much of his career in the first stall of the barn at The Meadows, Elver Hanover was often the first horse visitors to the barn stopped to see. He is universally loved by all that know him.

Elver Hanover retired sound, healthy and happy and now lives on the farm of Bridgette Jablonsky, his part owner and one of the people who love him the very most.

(With files from Dr. J Stallion Management; photo of Elver Hanover winning a 2019 International Stallion Stakes division at The Red Mile)