Allywag Hanover retired

Allywag Hanover (Captaintreacherous), one of North America’s greatest racehorses, has been retired from harness racing.

A multiple World Record holder, Allywag Hanover started 79 times during his career, winning 28 races and placing in 49 of them.

Allywag Hanover was voted the Dan Patch Award winner as the best older pacer in 2021. During that year he became the fastest 4-year-old gelding in the history of The Red Mile when he stopped the timer in 1:46.4 during the Allerage Farms Open Pace. His career continued with another record on a 5/8ths track when he won the Potomac Pace at Rosecroft in 2022, again in 1:46.4.

Perhaps Allywag Hanover’s most well-known feat is when he upset Bulldog Hanover in the Allerage Farms Open Pace at The Red Mile in a World Record (for a gelding) 1:46.

At the time, trainer Brett Pelling had this to say about him: “He’s a beast. People don’t give him the kudos that he deserves. When you’re around him, trust me, he gives you chills. You have no idea how fast he is traveling, and he’s got a very unique way of going, and it’s just plain fast. And it’s a different kind of speed. It’s raw.”

The partners want to thank Brett Pelling, driver Todd McCarthy and groom Terry Buchanan for all their hard work.

“We want to thank everyone who has followed, watched, and cheered on Allywag over the last six years,” said racing manager Marcus Johansson, representing Allywag Partners. “He has provided some of the greatest moments of racing for both us as owners and the sport as a whole”

The now 7-year-old gelding will have a forever home at Diamond Creek. He will be turned out and rehabbed, and then it will be determined what he wants to do next, whether it’s a second career as a riding horse, an equine ambassador, or just enjoying life as a pasture pet.

Allywag Hanover retires with $2,335,342 in earnings and stakes wins in the William Haughton Memorial, Sam McKee Memorial, Canadian Pacing Derby, Allerage, TVG/Fanduel, Potomac, and Hoosier Park Pacing Derby.

by Caroline Vasquez, for Diamond Creek Farm