Fans of North American harness racing will get a glimpse of Swedish trotting star Hail Mary S in this Saturday's 2024 MGM Yonkers International Trot. Unlike many of the trotters coming to this race from overseas, the connections of Hail Mary S plan to leave their trotting star on this side of the Atlantic for the remainder of the stakes season and possibly longer.
Despite being a late bloomer who didn’t debut until well into his three-year-old season, Hail Mary has put together an impressive résumé across Europe, comprising a summary of 26-10-3 from 52 career starts and more than $1.76 million USD for owner Mehdi Yazdanpanh under the Stall Mary AB banner. The eight-year-old son of Googoo Gaagaa out of Dreams — a half-sister to the great Moni Maker — was trained in his early years by Robert Bergh, but moved to the Daniel Redén barn prior to his six-year-old season where he remains to date.
After the International Trot, Yazdanpanh indicated that 2023 U.S. Trainer of the Year Åke Svanstedt will manage Hail Mary S for the remainder of his North American campaign.
"Hail Mary has almost [17 million Swedish Kronor earned] so far and we've reinvested every penny into the sport, and we don't regret it for a second. Many thanks to everyone who has participated and contributed to these experiences. Above all, Robert Bergh and Daniel Redén," stated owner Yazdanpanh on social media. "But now we are looking forward to new adventures as we choose to let Hail remain in the USA after the [International Trot] under new management by Åke Svanstedt."
Hail Mary, who owns a lifetime mark of 1:50.2, has victories in the Swedish Trotting Derby, Breeders Crown, Aby Grand Prix and a number of other Group I races during his time on the track. He recently won the Group I Jamtland Grand Prix on June 9 for the second consecutive year.
The MGM Yonkers International Trot will be the centerpiece of a spectacular 12:15 p.m. card on Sept. 7 that also features a pair of $250,000 USD Invitationals for older horses and the $1.8 million USD finals of the New York Sire Stakes. Along with the all-stakes card on Saturday, Yonkers Raceway will be offering bettors a huge opportunity. A special mandatory payout $1 Pick 5 wager will be offered starting in Race 5 with the MGM Yonkers International Trot. The bet includes $50,000 in carryover money funded by the Standardbred Owners Association of New York. In conjunction with the USTA’s Strategic Wagering Program, the pool will be guaranteed at $150,000 and free past performances will be available.
The draw for the MGM Yonkers International Trot is slated for 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3.
(Standardbred Canada; with files from Yonkers Raceway)