It took almost five years, but one of the longest-standing win streaks in the sport has come to an end.
Despite being unsuccessful in getting the victory this past Friday, Feb. 27 at The Meadows, it was still a win of sorts for trotter Mallard Hanover, simply by getting back to the races.
The now eight-year-old only raced five times early in his career, the last of which was in May 2021. He won that day for trainer Erv Miller, as he had done in all of his previous efforts. Winning an Indiana Sires Stakes, he set a lifetime mark of 1:52.4 at Hoosier Park, but an injury ended his season prematurely, with a lifetime record of five wins in five starts.
He attempted a comeback in 2022, but posted a slow time in a qualifier and never raced in a pari-mutuel event.
On Feb. 18 of this year, after spending several years in Amish country as a working horse, Mallard Hanover faced a starting gate for the first time since 2021. New trainer Eric Miller guided the Swan For All-Mynah Hanover gelding to a qualifying win at The Meadows in 1:57.3 in his return to action, leading up to last week’s pari-mutuel race where he finished sixth, race timed in 1:57 and 2-1/2 lengths off the winner after a first-over journey.
Mallard Hanover will look to resume his winning ways this Friday, March 6 in the seventh race at The Meadows.
(With files from The Meadows; photo of Mallard Hanover winning on May 21, 2021 at Hoosier Park)