Malek Hanover will deliver some much-needed cheer to his owner Allison Derrah when he goes to post in the ninth race Thursday night at Meadowlands Racetrack
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Racing a horse at the Meadowlands has been a lifelong dream for Derrah, a 55-year-old dairy farmer from Gordonsville, New Brunswick, who has been hospitalized with lung cancer since December 22. His wish came true on January 7 when Malek Hanover made his Meadowlands debut. Sent off at odds of 92-1 in his first career start, the son of Western Hanover finished seventh for Derrah and trainer Philip Bo Sowers.
"I'm not doing too badly, but it could be better," Derrah said from his hospital room in New Brunswick, where he watches Malek Hanover race via a computer. "It's always been a dream of mine to race at the Meadowlands. Even though we finished seventh, [last week's race] was the biggest thrill I ever had in the game. Right after the race, I was on the phone with Bo and I said, 'we are coming back next week, right?' He said, 'Of course.' I'm looking forward to the race this week."
Derrah purchased Malek Hanover from Sowers and co-owner Terry Price last June. The pacer is closing in on $75,000 in career earnings.
"I guess being around horses all the time, [racing] was something I eventually wanted to get into," Derrah said. "I've owned horses for about three years now. I currently have six horses. I guess you could say Malek Hanover is my favourite.
Malek Hanover's trainer, Bo Sowers of Limestone, New Brunswick, is also relishing racing at the Meadowlands for the first time.
"I'd only read about Brian Sears and John Campbell and the big names in the magazines," Sowers said. "Then, for the first time, I was in the paddock right there with them. It was an unbelievable feeling. Everyone, from the people in licensing on down, were great to me. They made me feel just like I belonged. I've been on my own for about three years now. I've always wanted to race at the Meadowlands but never did. I still can't believe it. I look at the drivers and see a race with 10 world-class drivers in it. George Brennan had driven for us before, but it seems like they are all here. I can't wait to get back there Thursday night."
Sowers followed his father, who worked for Hall of Fame trainer Earle Avery, into the racing business, though he took a 14-year detour to drive trucks for a living.
"It was a cheap way to see the world," Sowers noted. "I loved it, but I never got too far away from the horses. It's in my blood. I'm hoping that Malek Hanover can do some good. I'm really happy because Allison's had a real good week. [Driver-trainer] Charlene Cushing came by to visit him and he really perked up. I think Allison is incredibly happy racing him here [at the Meadowlands]. It's not real important where the horse finishes. Just the thrill of having a horse at the Meadowlands is enough, overwhelming even."
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Sears, Green and Alagna Step Into The Sulky This Week
Meadowlands Racetrack's In The Sulky television segment features a White Knight and two top trainers this week.
Trainer Tony Alagna, who made a splash with a trio of fillies in the White Ruffles Series last week, is the featured guest Thursday night. Alagna is a former assistant to Erv Miller.
Brian Sears, the 2009 Driver of the Year, will step into the hot seat on Friday night.
Josh Green, five-time leading trainer at Dover Downs and, most recently, at Yonkers, steps into the spotlight Saturday.
Fans can e-mail questions for racing's leading personalities to answer on-air at [email protected]. Can't make it to the track? Watch live on www.MeadowlandsRacetrck.com.
(Meadowland Racetrack)