Coach K Hanover 2, 1:54.4f ($160,712), a former track record holder at Harrah’s Philadelphia, has retired from racing and will now begin his new career as a stallion at Dublin Valley Farms in Ohio.
Sired by Walner from the Explosive Matter mare, Chezatter, Coach K Hanover hailed from the Ake Svanstedt Stable and was a winner right out of the gate. In his first pari-mutuel start as a two-year-old in 2021, Coach K Hanover won in 1:56.1 by 4-1/4 lengths at Pocono Downs.
His next start was in a $64,800 division of the John Simpson Memorial Trot at Harrah’s Philadelphia. In that race, Svandstedt sent Coach K Hanover right to the lead and the colt again won in a romp by five open lengths in 1:54.4, rewriting the track record for two-year-old trotters.
“'Coach K' was really good gaited, very strong and a talented trotter with a lot of speed,” said trainer/driver Svanstedt.
Coach K Hanover made just three more starts in his career. In his final start, despite making a break at the half-mile pole, he was a game second-place finisher in the $413,600 Valley Victor Trot at The Meadowlands, losing by just a half a length to Fast As The Wind in 1:53.2.
“I felt 'Coach K' had what it takes to be a top horse,” said co-owner Jeff Gural. “He got a late start at two and lowered Captain Corey's track record at Philly [1:54.4] leading all the way in just his second career start.
“We brought him to The Meadowlands in November where he cut the mile in 1:55 to get beat a head [but was placed fifth] in the Kindergarten final before an eventful second in the 1:53.2 Valley Victory,” added Gural. “Both races he could have won with any luck.”
After his race in the Valley Victory, Coach K Hanover injured himself and was unable to get back to the races.
Robert Hershberger of Dublin Valley Farms announced that Coach K Hanover will be syndicated. Please contact Joe Yoder at Dublin Valley Farms at 330-473-5863 for further information.
(With files from Dublin Valley Farms)