Trainer David Menary has a plan for Ervin Hanover, one that could make the 2025 Dan Patch and O'Brien Award winner even more of a threat in 2026.
"He came back, he qualified well, and then he won the Camluck Classic. But early on in the year, it was so hot and he was doing a little bit of travelling...I think the heat was kind of getting to him," Menary told Standardbred Canada's John Rallis in reference to his award winner's 2025 season. "Once he got home for a little bit and regrouped he ended the year back off the year with a bang."
Fulfilling the breakout season some anticipated after the conclusion of his four-year-old season in 2024, Ervin Hanover delivered for Menary and owner Pollack Racing LLC. The son of Captaintreacherous won 10 of 17 starts and more than $1.1 million during his five-year-old campaign in 2025, highlighted by victories in the $347,222 Dayton Pacing Derby at Dayton Raceway and the $347,222 Jim Ewart Memorial at Scioto Downs. His richest and most historic win was at Mohawk in the $822,000 Breeders Crown, where he paced the fastest mile in Canadian history in 1:46.2 – a Canadian, track and stakes record.
"The first time I trained him, I said this is the nicest horse I've been sent in 10 years," noted Menary. "He just goes so fast, so easy. And hopefully he's got some fast miles left in him."
To watch the interview with Menary and Rallis, where they also discuss the change in Ervin Hanover's schedule for 2026, click the play button below.
(Standardbred Canada)