He's been able to avoid what many have referred to as a cold, dragging winter, but according to trainer Rod Hughes, if two-time O'Brien Award winner San Pail had his way he would be at the track braving the
elements.
The career winner of more than $1.7-million in purses has been given some time off by Hughes. The seven-year-old's last race came January 17 when he trotted off on his nine rivals in the $125,000 Glorys Comet Stakes in a sharp 1:53.2.
Although San Pail may not approve of his scheduled rest, Hughes and the gelding's other owners do. The career winner of 37 races took the same vacation in the early months of 2010, which turned out to be a stellar campaign. San Pail's 2010 season saw him win 13 of 15 races, bank $656,500 in purses and defend his Maple Leaf Trot title with a 1:51.3 mark-lowering performance.
"At times he has been getting pretty antsy," Hughes told Trot Insider. "He doesn't like being off."
Many relish the opportunity to exit the grind, but not San Pail. Hughes explained that his stable's big gun gets a little upset when he is given too much time
"You couldn't give him a whole week off," he said. "He's the type of horse that is just happier when he is working."
Hughes said that he will be aiming to get the gelding back to the track by the end of April, but that he is not rushing things.
"I don't want to put him on any bad tracks or anything. His big races are later in the year, so right now we are just letting him get some rest."