San Pail, a three-time Maple Leaf Trot winner, returned to the racetrack this past week following an extensive layoff.

The nine-year-old son of San Pellegrino was sidelined for over a year with a right-hind ankle injury following an August qualifier at Mohawk Racetrack.

In his seasonal debut, San Pail finished second behind Knows Nothing in the Preferred Trot. San Pail was beaten four and three quarter lengths and was timed in 1:55.4.

“That was a good first start for him,” trainer Rod Hughes said. “The fractions were very light and he finished up his mile very well. He’s got the miles into him and time will tell how the leg holds up.

“We don’t have any real expectations for him,” Hughes continued. “We’re taking it week by week.”

The 51-time winner has been entered into the $34,000 Preferred Trot on Monday evening at the Campbellville oval. The classy trotter will begin from Post 6 for regular pilot Randy Waples.

“Randy was very happy with him following his race,” said Hughes. “We gave him four qualifiers, but qualifying and racing are different. We didn’t get the speed miles into him like in the past, but hopefully that will come.”

The multiple O'Brien Award winner has banked over $3-million in purse earnings for Hughes Stable Inc and Glenn Van Camp. He was voted Horse of the Year in 2011.

The field for Monday's $34,000 Preferred Trot will line up as follows:

1) Windsong Geant
2) Catch The Dream
3) Slip Into Glide
4) Charlie Is A Joker
5) Burnin Money
6) San Pail
7) Knows Nothing

To view the harness racing entries for Monday at Mohawk, click the following link: Monday Entries – Mohawk Racetrack.

(WEG)