It’s always refreshing to see a success story wherever you find one. Right now, those in Hanover, Ont. don’t have to look too far, as there is a horse with ties to the community that everyone is taking notice of
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Secretsoftheknight is the horse, and he looks to be headed for big things in his three-year-old campaign.
Tony Lawrence of Hanover and Graham Hopkins of Chesley each share ownership of the Mach Three colt, and they’ve surely enjoyed the bay’s early success. Trained by Gregg McNair, formerly of Walkerton, Secretsoftheknight earned $125,739 last season in his freshman two-year-old campaign (over $100,000 of those purses were earned while in Ontario Sires Stakes races).
Lawrence has said that he, along with McNair and part owner John Newell, acquired the colt after McNair spotted him at a sale in Lexington, Kentucky. Hopkins came into the picture a little bit later, as well as Leonard Gamble, as the horse had foaled at his farm.
On working with McNair, one of the nation’s top trainers for the last several years, Lawrence says it’s “really good,” citing that the conditioner is one of the most easy-going guys around the track and that he “always gives his horses a chance.” Lawrence and McNair have been good friends for years, since they both spent time around the Fritz stables learning from the Hall of Famer Bud Fritz.
Lawrence, Hopkins and the other partial owners have Secretsoftheknight eligible for some of the most prestigious stakes races the province has to offer in the coming months. The biggest test for this young pacer is approaching this coming weekend, as Secretsoftheknight will compete in Georgian Downs' $600,000 final of the Upper Canada Cup. Under the driving tutelage of Doug McNair, the colt qualified for the final courtesy of an impressive four-length win in his elimination this past weekend, which was clocked in a lifetime best 1:51.1.
Lawrence says he’s hoping Secretsoftheknight stays sound and competitive this season, as he foresees his colt having to face a stiff challenge from horses like Warrawee Needy and Sweet Lou. Lawrence has credited Secretsoftheknight for being well-mannered, and he has said that thanks to McNair, he “can leave or race from behind” and that versatility should lead to some success.
When asked what it was like to have such a special horse, Lawrence likened the experience to when he looked after the million-dollar-winning Silver Almahurst for Keith Waples when he worked for him in the 1980s and '90s. Secretsoftheknight hasn’t reached the same kind of accolades, but is lined up to compete for some big money this season.
If local fans can't make it out the Georgian Downs to watch the Upper Canada Cup live this Saturday night, they can watch the action at Hanover Raceway via simulcast.
(With files from Hanover Raceway)