After almost a full two years on the shelf, six-year-old Charmbo Chrome resurfaced in a qualifying race at Hanover Raceway on Saturday, May 30.
A two-second allowance in time was in effect for Hanover's May 30 qualifiers. After leaving from Post 3, Charmbo Chrome marched out to an early four-length lead. He went on to hold on for a neck win in 2:06.1.
Charmbo Chrome is a homebred son of Manofmanymissions that is owned by trainer Randy Rier and his brother, John ('Jack'). The bay is a former Woodbine Mohawk Park regular. Prior to his recent qualifying performance, Charmbro Chrome had last recorded a charted line in an overnight race at Mohawk in June of 2018.
"We gave him a rest because we thought he needed one, and then we were getting him ready at Christmas in 2018 and he cracked a foot and we couldn't get him sound," Randy explained. "I finally had to turn him out and give him another eight months off; and then we got him ready, and I believe we've got him good right now and hopefully he stays that way."
Affectionately known around the barn at Hanover as just 'Chrome' due to his distinctive white face, the homebred has chalked up eight lifetime wins and trotted to $103,090 in career purses. Charmbro Chrome took his mark of 1:56 at Mohawk as age three.
Charmbro Chrome has also accumulated a large local following of fans. His admirers have continued to visit his Hanover stable and bring treats over the course of the last few years. Randy believes that the bay's following is due to his quirkiness.
"I guess it's because he's a pretty horse and lots of white on him," Randy explained. "He's a character, as well. He's a nice horse, but you've got to keep an eye on him because he's a stud and he has some characteristics. He can bite you when you're not looking and also can try to push you around when you go in to water him."
The Riers' current plan is to race Charmbro Chrome locally at first and build from there. The brothers are hoping that their charge can again make his way back up the ladder to Canada's top race circuit.
Charmbro Chrome will begin his comeback this Saturday (June 6) in Race 7 at Hanover Raceway.
To view the harness racing entries for Saturday at Hanover, click the following link: Saturday Entries - Hanover Raceway.
(With files from Hanover Raceway)