Donato Hanover defeats Adrian Chip in 1:51.2.

There was no world record in Saturday’s $600,000 World Trotting Derby at Du Quoin, but Donato Hanover still won the race, defeating his arch rival Adrian Chip by 1 1/4 lengths in 1:51.2. Anderberg was third.

An opening quarter in :27 by Adrian Chip was right in step with a world record attempt, but after regaining the lead before the half driver Ron Pierce elected to slow the pace down with Adrian Chip sitting right on his back. Donato Hanover passed the half-mile station in :56 and the three quarters in 1:24.2. In the lane Adrian Chip pulled but could not catch Donato, who trotted home in :27 for the victory and a new career record by one-fifth of a second over the qualifying mark he set Friday, Aug.23, at The Red Mile in Lexington.

“World records are nice, but everything has got to set up perfectly,” said trainer Steve Elliott after the race. “I think we get to go to the half a little faster he just goes the mile a little faster. We didn’t want to set it up for somebody following us to get a good record. When you’re going for $600,000 you don’t want to be just throwing it out the window.”

Pierce was not available for comment as he ran from the winner’s circle to catch a flight for Canada where he is driving in the Breeders Crown races Saturday night at Mohawk Raceway.

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