The biggest crowd of the season turned out for the long Canada Day weekend at Hanover Raceway. The raceway hosted a special race in honour of Deep Run Danny, who competed at Hanover in its first live pari-mutuel season in 1964.

Owners Ted and Alma McLean were on hand in celebration of Alma's 79th birthday. Ted said Deep Run Danny still holds the record for a 6.5 furlong distance at Hanover in 1:48, mainly due to the fact harness racing doesn’t run that distance anymore. Ted, who drove the horse, said it was nice to see the changes at Hanover including the new winner’s circle. The Goderich native added, he still jogs horses on his farm.

It was a special homecoming for the McLeans as Ross Battin won the Deep Run Danny Pace with Carman Coyote in 2:00 flat.

Alma said Ross told him after the race he remembered when Deep Run Danny was racing at Hanover. Ted said his horse would fill the grandstands whenever he raced whether it be Hanover, Goderich or London.

Hanover Raceway also hosted local band The Castros, who played in between the races. GM Gord Dougan said it was a good addition to the night, as it brought out many younger patrons who don’t normally come to the racetrack.

Meanwhile, only sevem patrons were lucky enough to qualify for the finals in the Racetrack's Survivor Handicapping Contest as many favourites didn’t come through on the card. Hanover plays host to two more qualifying chances for fans, over the next two Saturdays.

Fans are asked to pick four horses in four separate races and if their horses finish in the money in all four races they qualify for the final on July 20. The top Survivor will win a 58 inch Hi Def TV courtesy of Country 93 and Hanover Raceway.

Next Saturday’s card will also include a Race Under Saddle non-betting event. Eight women and horses will compete in the race, including Finnish native Riina Rekila, Sweden’s Marielle Enberg, and Marit Valstad from Norway. Racing Under Saddle is a popular event in Europe and these ladies are hoping it becomes a regular event in Ontario too. Post time on Saturday night is 7:30 p.m.

To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Hanover Raceway.

(With files from Hanover Raceway / Photo courtesy Iron Horse Photo)