After becoming the first Hambletonian winner to be placed first, Perfect Spirit made only two starts after capturing harness racing's holy grail for his connections. What happened to him, and where is he now?
Reports from Sweden indicate that Perfect Spirit was injured after his Hambletonian win, explaining the lack of starts and success in them. According to owner Lennart Ågren of SRF Stable, Perfect Spirit will be sent to trainer Daniel Redén to prepare for his four-year-old season.
"It is widely known that Perfect Spirit has been hurt in the left back after Hambletonian Stakes," Ågren told sulkysport.se. "I know that there is a chance to work out more with Daniel and he is also good at managing older horses who have or had problems."
Perfect Spirit (Andover Hall - Good Common Cents) boasts a record of 1:51.2 taken at the Meadowlands, a summary and 7-2-2 from 18 starts and more than $650,000 in purse earnings. The talented trotter is a welcome addition to Redén's stable.
"Of course it's great to get a Hambletonian winner - there are not many who get [that chance]!," said Redén. "And of course I will do my best to make it as good as possible."