Since the calendar page flipped over to 2023 it’s been the year of driver Doug McNair at WoodbineMohawkPark, and the reinsman continued his roll by sweeping the Daily Double and taking the featured trot at the Campbellville oval.
McNair got away fourth in the $28,000 main event with Patriarch Hanover, who watched stablemate Warrior One sail along on the lead through fractions of :27.4, :56.3 and 1:26. With race favourite Pikachu Hanover sitting one his back turning for home, Warrior One drifted slightly off the rail in the late stages and that allowed McNair to drill through with Patriarch Hanover.
The Richard Moreau trainee powered home in :27 to win by three-quarters of a length over Warrior One in 1:53.4. Pikachu Hanover came up flat in the lane and settled for the show dough in the six-horse tilt.
Patriarch Hanover, a six-year-old son of Father Patrick-Personal Style, is owned by Brad Grant of Milton, Ont. It was the first win of the season from three attempts for the 17-time winner who is quickly closing in on $600,000 in career earnings.
