It's been eight years since the Whatthehecklavec set the aged mare trotting track record at Hanover Raceway and it was in the Walker Invitational Trot. This year Angies Lucky Star beat the old mark by one-fifth of a second on a track rated 'good' due to a light steady rain Saturday evening.
The Trevor Henry-owned and Richard Moreau-trained Angies Lucky Star got away second to the quarter behind Spartan Victory (Ryan Holliday) in :27.3, but quickly took over control and never looked back, hitting the half in :56.2, the three-quarters mark in 1:26.1 and the mile in 1:56.4. Spartan Victory finished eight and a half lengths behind in second and Leslie Road (Larry Walker) was third.
The Walker Trot is named for Allan and Viola Walker. Allan was inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 1996 and was not only a top driver, but a well respected trainer as well and his children and grandchildren and great grandchildren are still involved in the sport.
Bruce Richardson was the winning reinsman and he enjoyed a special night at the track, also celebrating his 3,000th career win in the previous race with Carsons Ladyluck. Trained by Vicki Gregg and owned by W. David Carson of Listowel, Ont., the six-year-old Apaches Fame mare was a wire-to-wire winner in 1:58.3.
Richardson ended the night with four wins on the 10-race card. The Arthur, Ont. horseman also won the opening race with three-year-old pacing gelding Vero Hanover for trainer Bruce Gilkinson and the fifth with Ron O'Neill's three-year-old pacing filly Trolly Song to help him reach the milestone.
Langcrest Farm's homebred five-year-old gelding Jetcrest and Maria Flink persevered in the $5,000 Preferred 3 Trot in 2:00.2 by half a length over Tragically Shipp (Ross Battin) and West Grey Bay (Garrett Rooney). Susie Kerwood trains the son of Pegasus Spur.
Hanover Raceway also hosted the staff from 92.3 The Dock radio, who gave away a $1,500 Smart TV, won by Randy Cook of Holland Centre, Ont. Two more people qualified for the Survivor handicapping contest. So far 17 fans have correctly picked four horses that finished in the money and will return on August 9 for a shot at another High Definition TV package.
Next Saturday is Dream of Glory elimination night. Over 90 horses are paid up to the series and the top eight will return on Sunday, August 3 for the $60,000 final. Hanover Raceway will also host the second Racing Under Saddle race to feature wagering next Saturday. It;s being billed as Canada vs. Norway and the women riders will be on hand after their race for a meet and greet and autograph session. Post time next Saturday is 7:15 p.m.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Hanover Raceway.
(With files from Hanover Raceway)