Rustler Hanover passes at age 27

Winbak Farm is sad to announce the passing of harness racing O’Brien Award Winner, Rustler Hanover (Western Hanover), p, 2, 1:52.3; 3,1:51 ($971,638). The 27-year-old passed away on November 29^th.

“Rustler Hanover will be missed by the Winbak Farm team,” said Jack Burke, General Manager. “He had been retired from breeding for a few years but had a happy retired life at Winbak Farm of Delaware.”

Rustler Hanover was a half-brother to USHWA Horse of the Year Award Winner, Rocknroll Hanover, p, 2, 1:49.4; 3, 1:48.3 ($2,754,038), and Royalflush Hanover, p, 2, 2:03.2h; 3, 1:51.2f; 1:49.3 ($2,153,893).

“Rustler Hanover was a gorgeous individual, who had a stellar pedigree and outstanding performance as a racehorse,” said Joe Thomson, Winbak Farm Owner. “He was associated with Winbak Farm for over 20 years and we were proud to stand him in Canada and in Delaware.”

At 2, Rustler Hanover won the O’Brien Award for 2-Year-Old Pacing Colts and OJC Award for 2-Year-Old Pacing Colts. He won 6 races highlighted by the Metro Pace Final, Abe Lincoln Stakes, Nassagaweya Stakes elimination, Breeders Crown elimination and Arden Down Stakes. He was second in the Governors Cup Final, Champlain Stakes and Metro Pace elimination.

At 3, Rustler Hanover won 8 races including the Confederation Cup elimination and Final, Nat Christie Memorial Pace elimination and Final, Burlington Pace and Meadowlands Pace elimination. He was second Art Rooney Pace elimination and North America Cup elimination.

“Rustler Hanover was a fast racehorse who went on to sire many rich performers,” said Burke.

As a sire, Rustler Hanover sired 8 Winners of $500,000+ highlighted by:

• Keystone Horatio, p, 2, 1:51s; 3, 1:50.2f; 1:48.4s ($1,536,204)
• Armbro Acquire, p, 3, 1:52.3s; 1:49.2 ($924,952)
• Alastor Hanover, p, 2, 1:52.3f; 3, 1:51.3f; 1:50.1f ($784,360)

Rustler Hanover had also found success as a broodmare sire, including being the sire of the dams of:

• Wrangler Magic, p, 2, 1:53.3s; 3, 1:50.2s ($897,021)
• Steelhead Hanover, p, 2, 1:52.3f; 3, 1:50f; 1:48.3f ($577,450)
• Sprig Hanover, p, 2, Q1:57.3s; 3, 1:52.1s ($438,458)
  • Dam of Downbytheseaside, p, 2, 1:49; 3, 1:48.3f ($2,179,558)

“We want to thank the many breeders who bred to Rustler Hanover during his stallion career,” said Thomson. “We also want to thank the members of the Rustler Hanover syndicate for their support.”

For information on Winbak Farm, please visit here.

by Elizabeth Cheesman, for Winbak Farm