Boasting a pedigree loaded with millionaires and stakes winners, on paper Western Terror certainly looked like a horse that could become a major player when he hit the racetrack.
After a freshman season with limited stakes success and just two wins -- both in conditioned events -- from ten starts, Western Terror (Western Hanover - Arterra) turned into the world champion his pedigree predicted at three. He was the winner of the Breeders Crown at Woodbine Racetrack, Windy City Pace, Cane Pace, Tattersalls Pace, and the Bluegrass Stakes. In a competitive group that included the likes of Mantacular, Timesareachanging, Metropolitan, Georgia Pacific, Geartogear, Quik Pulse Mindale, Western Terror was named Canada's Three-Year-Old Pacing Colt of the Year for 2004 by virtue of his 8-4-5 seasonal summary from 24 starts and $1.225 million earned.
Western Terror has shown prowess in producing champions as well, siring the likes of O'Brien Award winners Western Silk and Up The Credit.
In celebration of Western Terror being born 15 years ago today -- March 6, 2001, here's a look back at his gutsy 2004 Breeders Crown victory.
Sears Caps Hat Trick With Western Terror
October 23, 2004
It was a magical Breeders Crown night for Brian Sears as he collected his third Crown win with Western Terror in the $693,750 Three-Year-Old Colt Pace division.
The son of Western Hanover raced bravely first-up against pace-setter Geartogear (Ron Pierce) through fractions of :26.3, :55.4, 1:24.2 and 1:50.2. As the field raced through the stretch, Western Terror emerged with the lead only to fend off a late challenge by Quik Pulse Mindale.
The final time of the race was 1:50.2. Western Terror won by three-quarters of a length over Quik Pulse Mindale and Geartogear.
"I just wanted to get away without using my horse too hard," said Sears. "My only concern was pulling Quik Pulse Mindale into the winner's circle on my back but my colt raced super. It's been an absolutely terrific night. I'm sitting back and soaking it in now."
Mike Arnold, trainer of race favourite Quik Pulse Mindale was not upset with the runner-up finish. "We are very happy. That other horse was just better tonight."
Pierce, who drove Western Terror in the North America Cup, knows how talented the three-year-old is. "You have to take your hat off to that little bugger. He was been racing powerful all year. He wins the North America Cup if he gets out."