As part of Saturday's Tribute Night to triple millionaire San Pail at Mohawk Racetrack, it was only fitting that he lead the post parade for a race he’d won three consecutive times.
Co-owner and trainer Rod Hughes was in the bike as regular driver Randy Waples had a starter in the Maple Leaf Trot. As ‘Pail’ trotted in front of the grandstand, the crowd applauded and cheered to bid the trotter farewell. He stepped onto the racetrack looking like a million bucks and ready to race.
Earlier in the evening, there was a trackside ceremony which included a cooler and carrot presentation to San Pail, who was escorted out (with no harness) by Rod & Jerry Hughes. Custom commemorative edition posters of San Pail were presented to the Van Camps, and the Hughes, along with driver Randy Waples from the I Love Canadian Harness Racing Fan Club and Woodbine Entertainment Group.
From 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Glenn & Donna Van Camp along with Rod & Emily Hughes and their sons Wyatt and Trace, Susan Hughes (Rod’s Mom) and Christine Hughes (Rod’s sister), Rhonda (Rod’s sister) and her son Cody were on hand to meet and greet racing fans and show them their San Pail memorabilia, scrap books, photo albums and trophy collection.
The first 200 fans to stop by the I Love Canadian Harness Racing Fan Club booth received a special edition San Pail poster.
San Pail concluded his illustrious career with over $3 million in earnings, a race record of 1:50.4, a three-peat in the Maple Leaf Trot, a Breeders Crown Championship, three O’Brien Awards to his credit and Horse of the Year honours in Canada and the U.S. He was also named Equine Canada’s Canadian Bred Horse of the Year in 2011.
WEG and The Fan Club, along with harness racing fans across the country wish San Pail a happy retirement! To view photos from the tribute night, click the following link: San Pail Tribute Night Photos.