Overlooked as the longest shot on the board at 43-1, Hobnob Hanover set a new track record for older trotting mares in a stunning upset at Grand River Raceway on Friday, June 26.
Trained and driven by Pat Hudon for owner Sean Garvey of Oakville, Ont., Hobnob Hanover won the evening's ninth race, a $10,000 conditioned trot in 1:54.4, lowering the divisional record that was set by Valuable Miss last August by three-fifths of a second.
The four-year-old Walner-Himalaya mare, who only had two wins from 44 starts last year, turned in the mile of her life in her 17th race this season.
Hobnob Hanover followed in fourth at the pylons as a trio of early leavers contested opening panels clocked in :27.4 and :56.2. After the early front-end tussle was settled, Hobnob Hanover went first-up after the leading Shampoo Girl (Austin Sorrie) to three-quarters in 1:25.2. She took a late lead in the stretch and pulled clear to win by 1-3/4 lengths, sparking a $89.80 win payout for her backers. Shampoo Girl finished second and trailing tier starter Muskie Man (Jason Ryan) came on for third.
Hobnob Hanover now has three career wins from 77 starts and just shy of $95,000 in earnings.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click the following link: Friday Results - Grand River Raceway.
(Standardbred Canada)