Bulldog Hanover makes more history in $650,000 Canadian Pacing Derby

Bulldog Hanover (Shadow Play) equaled the fastest ever harness racing mile in Canada as he won the $650,000 Canadian Pacing Derby on Saturday (Sep. 3) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

He trekked two-wide into the first turn to push forward for the lead. After completing the opening fraction in :26.3, driver Dexter Dunn stole a :54.3 half-mile time and continued to three-quarters in 1:21.1.

Jimmy Freight (Louis-Philippe Roy) was forced first over in the third panel and led the charge against Bulldog Hanover, who kicked away as the field spun for home. Bulldog Hanover repelled that rival and stormed to the finish and stopped the clock in 1:46.4.

He was too quick home for pocket-sitter Tattoo Artist (James MacDonald), who finished second by a length. Poseidon Seelster (Bob McClure) finished third.

“Well, when you’ve sat behind so many horses and you sit behind a horse like Bulldog, it really is a pleasure and it’s a joy even being out there, so I’m just along for the ride with him,” said Dunn in his post-race interview.

BULLDOG HANOVER REPLAY

The mile time matched the previous Canadian record set by Dr J Hanover in 2017. Though he just missed the overall record, Bulldog Hanover cut down the standard for an aged stallion that was previously held by Always B Miki (2016) and Warrawee Vital (2022).

Bulldog Hanover has now earned more than $1 million this season in 10 wins from 11 starts, including the fastest mile in harness racing history. John Darling trains the four-year-old for Jack Darling Stables of Cambridge and Brad Grant of Milton. The stallion is now 24-for-32 with $1,958,696 in earnings.

“It’s great to have the family here and the fans here,” Darling said in a broadcast interview. “This horse has really got a fan base out there and so many people are cheering for him, it’s just an honour to be involved with him and be part of it.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink