Rocknroll Hanover’s caretaker, at both age two and three, takes a walk down memory lane and recalls the magical career of her friend known as “Rock,” including his accomplishment of being the only standardbred to ever to win three, $1 million races.
By Sarah Lauren Scott
They say the memories you make will last a lifetime, and I am so thankful they do. When I close my eyes the memories become real again and every moment comes back to life. I can see the look on Brian Sears’ face right after I told him (minutes before the Meadowlands Pace final), “If Rocknroll wins the Meadowlands Pace tonight, he will be the first standardbred in history to win three, $1 million races.” It was the look of confidence, with a side of pressure. I told him, not to worry, Rock was feeling great and on his game.
Rocknroll came into the Pelling Stable looking like an open pacer... big strong shoulder, deep girth with a beautiful head. And a few months later, September 4, 2004 became a day many of us will never forget.
Rock had finished 3rd in his Metro elimination and had drawn into the $1.2 million Metro final by lot, as one of the two, third place finishers to make it. He came out of his elimination well and had a light week jogging. We did not race the horses out of the regular paddock that night, the Metro horses were showcased out of the front thoroughbred paddock at Woodbine, allowing the public to get a close look at the star two-year-olds. While taking Rock out of his race stall fans were lined up and down the rail as a young girl with her father looked up and asked what the name was of the handsome bay colt wearing his red and black halter. I told her “His name is Rock.” I brought him close as she gave him a touch to his nose and whispered, “Good luck.”
The excitement of the night was all that and more. Rock walked out of the paddock with his head held high for post parade in his open bridle, and he let the others know he was there as he went out the door on his hind legs. The two-year-olds stepped onto the track and little did we know we were in for a major upset. Rocknroll went off at odds of 31-1 and hammered down a :25.4 first quarter from post 7 as we stood back watching in awe. He then allowed Village Jolt to take over as he settled into the pocket. Brian (Sears) knew this colt had a shot and he pulled on the right line turning for home, taking control and scoring a Metro Pace victory. With excitement in his voice, Frank Salive let the world know that Rock just set a stakes, track and world record of 1:49.4, in this monumental upset that re-wrote harness racing history. Rocknroll Hanover was the first two-year-old to break the 1:50 barrier.
Rock was a typical two-year-old stud colt, feeling larger than life and happy to be alive. As we walked back to the test barn, we were congratulated by the entire next race of seated drivers as they passed by on their way to post parade. He was now in the spotlight. Dave Landry came out the days following to take pictures. He was very impressed with “The softer side of Rock” as he took pictures of Rock outside enjoying himself in the company of his buddy Domi, his Jack Russell bodyguard. He was extremely well mannered in the barn. He acted like a classy old campaigner, one who has been there and done that.
Fast forward to his three-year-old year.
Rocknroll had time off and wintered at Glassford Equine in Ontario, Canada. I can remember ‘Nifty’ (Asst. Trainer, Richard Norman) bringing him down the shedrow to his stall that was awaiting him, freshly prepared and maybe a touch over bedded. As Nifty handed him over to me he said, “Here’s your boy.”
We were all glad to see him back and Rock was just as glad to be back to work. With a brilliant training schedule that included different training methods and training miles, Rock was ready to go.
North America Cup 2005 was in our sights. After a victory in the New Jersey Classic, Rock was headed to Canada, fresh as ever. He settled into his home at Classy Lane Stables with ease. He won his elimination and showed us that he was very much a contender. And everyone else knew it too. When the North America Cup horses were being loaded up in the Mohawk detention area to be transported by Doyle Transport en-route to Woodbine, Rock was loaded last as the other caretakers joked about tying him to the back bumper (in a friendly reference to tiring him out before the race).
Here we were again, in the front paddock at Woodbine. It didn’t seem like a year since we were 1 MTP at 31-1, and here we are heading out in the $1.5 million NA Cup as the 3/5 favourite.
He knew where he was again, back up on his hind legs, passing down the wood chip path making his presence known. He warmed up great and was going into the final ready to rock. And rock-and-roll he did, with an impressive win in 1:49.4, with a closing quarter in :26 flat.
And Elvis was in the building! When I turned around in the winner’s circle we were greeted by a very excited Elvis! A man from Ohio known to dress up according to his favourite three-year-old pacing colt – that year he was Rocknroll Hanover’s traveling fan. The happy tears and high fives were all around, people hugging and emotionally attached to this horse. The outpouring of support was overwhelming and welcomed, and even Tie Domi assisted in the Cup presentation.
The N.A. Cup and his three-year-old Breeders Crown victory are still my favourite races to watch over and over, as his dominance is so overpowering and moving. He always gave his all on the racetrack. He was born to be the champion he always was.
Back to New Jersey we went, holding our heads up high. Rocknroll was a great shipper, and was never bothered by much. He had a few extra days off and it was back to routine at White Birch Farms.
After a defeat in the Meadowlands Pace elimination we had a tough week, as we couldn’t focus on anything but having Rock back on his game and ready for the $1 million final. I headed back to the farm each night to give him an extra walk. The hot summer had taken its toll on all of us. Come Meadowlands Pace morning Rock was himself, watching everything that was going on in the retention barn, and clearly ready to get out on the track. The entire race walked down in a group to the paddock and he was his usual self again, ears up and excited. I could feel the energy through the lead shank – he was all business.
In the Meadowlands paddock, there is an “in” and an “out” door. Rock had his own system thanks to help from Robert Sharky. He had his own “bad boy stall” in the Meadowlands paddock so he wouldn’t get too aggressive or excited before the race. Then they always roadblocked the “in” door for us so we could use it as his own personal “out” door to avoid any commotion while he performed his “walking on sunshine” routine as he always did. To be honest, I was very happy to see him jump up before he went out as I knew that meant he was feeling good. And he did it again... his third $1 million race victory… and still the only horse to ever accomplish this feat! Feeling good was an understatement, he was awesome and he did it in style, with a stakes record and career best of 1:48.3.
Walking back from the winner’s circle we were cheered the entire way by excited fans clapping and shouting congratulations. Rock was the fan’s horse, he knew he was special. He really enjoyed being in his routine and simply being a horse. He loved to play and never missed a meal. The presence you could feel off him was incredible, all class, a true athlete with the intelligence of Einstein. He was the complete package.
Being a part of the Rocknroll connection, I am so honored to see him inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, which he so richly deserves.
Rest in Peace Rock, you are forever missed.
