Hanover Raceway concluded its 2014 season Saturday night with 12 races, its season ending horse and horsemen awards and its season ending prizes.
On the track, Bruce Richardson, who won the dash driver award, added three more wins to his total for 32 on the season. Richardson won the opener with Smore Pie Please for owner and trainer Norm Dunstan of Caledon in 2:03.1. Richardson's other wins were in race eight with Emerald Rihanna for Colonel Schneider of Arthur in 1:56.4 and in race nine with Carsons Lady Luck for owner David Carson of Listowel in 1:58.1.
Lorne House then won the final three races of the season. House won race 10 with Sharon The Moment for owner Susan Downey of St George in 1:58.3, race 11 with Sandburg Hanover for owner McMaster Stables of Guelph in 1:58.1 and race 12 with American Grace for McMaster Stables in 1:58.2.
Ian and Susan Downey accepted the award for Trotter of the Year for Excellence, who had a record of six starts, three wins and a second, and a winning time of 1:57.1.
Russell Ellis of Elmira won the Claimer of the Year for Hope You Had Fun, who won three of his eight starts at Hanover and also had three second place finishes and a time of 1:57.
The leading percentage driver was Trevor Henry with a UDR of .572 in 46 starts. The Trainer of the Year was Richard Moreau with a UDR of .653 in 16 starts, and the Hanover Raceway Horse of the Year was Warrawee Promesse, who won two of his three starts including the elimination and final of the Dream of Glory Championship in 1:56.4, setting a new track record.
The winner of the season ending prize, a $2,500 travel voucher courtesy of Hanover Travel and Cruises, Nolitours and Transat Holidays, was Ron Lindsay of Hanover.
General Manager Gord Dougan said it was a successful season overall as Hanover was up in handle, concessions and attendance.
Hanover Raceway now features simulcast wagering all winter long and will start its 2015 season on Saturday, May 23.
Dougan thanked the fans, horsemen and sponsors for their excellent support, and looks forward to trying to improve on this year’s success in 2015.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Hanover Raceway.
(With files from Hanover Raceway)