There’s been no trace of Traceur Hanover since his upset victory in the Breeders Crown last November, but that’s about to change.
After wintering in Ste. Anne des Plaines, Que., the three-year-old son of Western Ideal will be sent to Ontario and qualify in two weeks, said Montreal-based owner Richard Berthiaume, whose horses collected almost $900,000 in purses last year.
Normand Bardier Jr., who helped select and develop the colt, will be handling the training this year.
The main goal this year is the Pepsi North America Cup at Mohawk Raceway in June.
The Meadowlands Pace is out because the track has returned Berthiaume’s nomination payments. His horses have been barred by the Meadowlands because his two Breeders Crown entries, Traceur Hanover and Voelz Hanover –- then trained by Corey Johnson -- reportedly showed elevated cobalt readings in private tests conducted by and for the track.
“It’s his property, he can do what he wants,” Berthiaume said of Meadowlands owner Jeff Gural.
But he’s still miffed about the turn of events.
“There were 120 horses in the Breeders Crown. Were others tested? If not, why not? I used four trainers last year. Am I responsible for the actions of every one? I’ve been in this game 45 years, invested millions, and I don’t appreciate being treated like scum.”
(A Trot Insider Exclusive by Paul Delean)