Took Hanover reported fine

Although Took Hanover made a break behind the gate in the North America Cup consolation last Saturday night at Woodbine, trainer Brendan Johnson said it had absolutely nothing to do with the 3-year-old colt pacer being injured after being on a truck and trailer that was involved in an accident on the highway heading to the Toronto track. Took Hanover was in the care of Ontario-based conditioner Mike Vanderkemp when the accident occurred, but according to Johnson, Took Hanover “was in no danger at all” and the miscue was a result of an issue with his earplugs.

“He was real wired when he got to the races; he was more fired up than he normally is,” Johnson told harnessracing.com Wednesday afternoon. “Normally he is a real docile horse. He is fine, it just wasn’t his race.”

The NA Cup consolation was the second consecutive start the sophomore son of The Panderosa had gone offstride; he also made a break late in the mile as the 6-5 favorite in his Cup elimination June 10.

Johnson added that Took Hanover is scheduled to qualify at the Meadowlands Thursday morning. He also noted that 2005 Two-Year-Old Filly Pacer of the Year My Little Dragon, who has finished second to divisional rival Darlin’s Delight in both her 2006 starts, has come back strong.

“My Little Dragon came out of the race at Pocono real good, we’re just trying to find a race for her before the Tarport Hap (July 21 at the Meadowlands),” said Johnson, noting the race at Pocono Downs last Saturday night where My Little Dragon took runner-up honors in Darlin’s Delight’s 1:50.1 world-record victory. “She seems pretty good right now.”

« Back