It came down to the very last day of the year, but for Hanover Shoe Farms, the goal entering 2012 was to have its progeny chase down the heretofore elusive and never-before-achieved number of $30 million in earnings.

As of January 1, 2013 Hanover-breds had earned $30,008,243.

For as long as records have been kept by the United States Trotting Association, no other breeder has ever led the money earnings department. In recent years the amount earned by Hanover-breds kept increasing, with each year's numbers bringing a new record for all equine breeds.

In 2011, Hanover breds earned $28,735,929. Entering 2012, most people might have considered the $30-million mark a decided longshot, but nonetheless a possibility.

On the morning of December 31, 2012, the earnings number stood $17,000 short of the never-before-achieved number. However, only a very small number of tracks were operating on New Year’s Eve 2012. For the folks at Hanover, it was nail biting time.

As is often the case it was the horses that did the talking and the goal was met.

(Hanover Shoe Farms, Inc.)

(Please note that the earnings totals are in U.S. funds)