Secret Weapon lowered the all-time track record at Hanover Raceway on Saturday night with a 1:53 victory in the seventh annual Trevor Breadner Memorial Pace
. The race honours the memory of Breadner, who was diagnosed with cancer at age 21, and passed away after a courageous battle at the age of 24. Breadner had a great zest for life and was happiest when either playing sports or watching racing.
In the $12,000 event for Preferred pacers, Inspired Art (Barry Treen) took command of the field from the inside post position and carved out fractions of :27.2, :57 and 1:25. Meanwhile, Secret Weapon got away fifth, but driver Scott Young said he knew his charge was going to pass horses, so he waited until everyone settled into position before moving to the outside just before the quarter. Secret Weapon advanced first over before taking control in the stretch and powering home in :28-seconds for the four and three-quarter length score. Inspired Art stayed for second and Mach Two Point Six (Greg Dustin) was third.
Afterwards the biggest group ever of Breadner clan came out for the winner's circle presentation, and owner Bob Patterson of the Secret Weapon Stables said it has been over 40 years since he’s been to Hanover, and he’s proud to own the overall track record.
Patterson said trainer Wayne Prescator likes to give young drivers a chance to drive his horses and that’s what he did with Scott Young. He added he was nervous when they got away fifth, but once Secret Weapon closed to third at the half he knew he had a chance to win.
Patterson said it’s the third track record and 40th win for the nine-year-old Western Hanover-Falcons Secret gelding, who is closing in on $500,000 in earnings.
Saturday was Pepsi Night at Hanover with over $2,000 in prizes courtesy of Pepsi group. Close to 700 people were in attendance, with wagering a season high $20,135 on the 12 races.
Next week, Hanover plays host to the Molson girls as it's Molson Men's night in celebration of Fathers' Day weekend. Fathers in attendance will have a chance to win close to $2,000 in prizes, including a golf trip for four to Cobble Beach, just north of Owen Sound. There will also be a cooler, BBQ, and a men's leather jacket. Post time for the next races on Wednesday and Saturday Molson Men's night is 7:15 p.m.
For results from Saturday's harness racing card, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Hanover Raceway.
(With files from Hanover Raceway)
Congratulations to all the
Congratulations to all the connections of the Secret Weapon stable. A deserving group of people who are good for the sport of harness racing. Always willing to talk and include us, the humble fans. A special get well wish goes out to Jim Lehman; get well soon buddy, and get in those winner's circles!