A former Horse of the Year headlined qualifying action Monday afternoon at Woodbine Racetrack.
San Pail, the 2011 Horse of the Year and three-time Maple Leaf Trot champion, put in his first charted line since April of last year in the afternoon’s fifth and final qualifier.
The 11-year-old was reunited with his regular pilot Randy Waples and the duo got away in third in the field of six.
After following the top two trotters closely to the top of the stretch, Waples brought San Pail off the rail to the far outside to take his shot at the leaders. However, San Pail was not able to get by the top duo of Etruscan Hanover and Watkins, as they trotted into a strong headwind and had to settle for third. Etruscan Hanover won the qualifier in 1:59. San Pail’s mile was individually timed in 2:00, as he was beat 4-3/4 lengths.
Trained by Rod Hughes for owners Glenn Van Camp and Hughes Stable Inc, San Pail has won 52 races in his career and compiled a career bankroll of more than $3.1 million.
However, San Pail has not regularly raced since the spring of 2012 and has only made three starts in the last two years.
Prior to the qualifier, San Pail had not raced since April 19 when he made an uncharacteristic break. According to trainer and co-owner Hughes, the son of San Pellegrino - Village Beauty was never shut down and quit with during that stretch. To read Hughes’ comments, click here.
(With files from WEG)
To view results for Monday's qualifiers, click the following link: Monday Results – Woodbine Racetrack.
San Pail is loved beyond
San Pail is loved beyond words by this family and his well being has always been the most important part of his racing. We hope to see San Pail remain the Champion he will always be even if that means seeing him retire and live out his life in the lap of luxury he so richly deserves!! He doesn't need to run another race to remain a champion in our hearts!! Love you San Pail