After earning more than $1.2 million and completing seven consecutive years of racing at the highest levels, Il Sogno Dream will hang up his lines for 2020 and head to his full-time career in the breeding shed.
His owners, Bill & Dan Manes and Len & Randy Christopher, purchased the son of Cantab Hall at the 2012 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale. He learned his lessons under the expert tutelage of Chris Beaver, and as a two-year-old won Pennsylvania Sire Stakes in 1:55.4. As a three-year-old Il Sogno Dream won many stakes races as well as the prestigious Currier & Ives in 1:53.2.
Il Sogno Dream became the fastest trotter of 2015 when he won the Allerage at Lexington’s Red Mile in a sizzling 1:50.2. From the fall of 2015 to 2019, Il Sogno Dream has divided his racing career between Canada with trainer Victor Puddy, and the U.S. with trainer Chris Beaver. He retires with 33 wins including the Pennsylvania All Stars, the Circuit City, and the Dayton Trotting Derby.
In addition to his Grand Circuit success, Il Sogno Dream was a regular winner in the Preferred ranks at both Mohawk and Woodbine Racetracks. He set a new Woodbine Racetrack record of 1:51.2 on a cold November night shortly before the track stopped conducting harness racing.
Considered by owner Bill Manes to be his "best horse ever," Il Sogno Dream will shift his attention to stallion duty at Mac Lilley Farms in Dutton, Ont. where he stands for a $3,000 stud fee.
(with files from Mac Lilley Farms)