Red River Hanover poses with his trainer Bill Robinson and driver Luc Ouellette after winning the North America Cup

Dateline: 06/22/02

On Saturday June 23rd at Woodbine the 2002 North America Cup was run on a lightning fast surface on which several track records were tied or broken. The warm weather and great racing brought out what is possibly the largest standardbred audience ever at the track. Trainer William Robinson sent out three sophomore pacers to compete for $1.5 million purse, including 6-5 favorite Mach Three and 8-5 second choice Red River Hanover, each victorious in his elimination heat last weekend.

When the starting gate pulled away, longshot wildcard entry Up Front Western was sent to the front right away, completing the initial 1/4 mile in 26 seconds flat. 7-1 third choice McArdle stayed a 1 1/4 length off the pace early. Travelling down the backstretch with half a mile to go, driver John Campbell decided to let Mach Three make his move. From fourth place early, Mach Three surged ahead of McArdle to take the lead after a half in 54 3/5, and stablemate Red River Hanover inherited third place as the tiring Up Front Western dropped back. At the top of the stretch, Red Rover Hanover went to the front and opened up a two length lead on the favorite, after 3/4 mile in 1:21 4/5, and held that margin all the way to the finish. Mach Three kept up with him for a second place finish, with McArdle third. The final time was a new track record of 1:48 4/5. Red River Hanover will now go on to the Meadowlands Pace on July 13th.

Pgm  Horse              Driver            Win   Place  Show
 6   Red River Hanover  Ouellette        5.20    2.90  2.50
 1   Mach Three         Campbell                 2.80  2.30
 9   McArdle            Lachance                       3.10


Red River Hanover alone at the finish of the North America Cup, winning by 2 lengths.
Winning Time:  1:48 4/5

$2 Exacta 6-1                 10.00
$2 Trifecta 6-1-9             39.00
$2 Superfecta 6-1-9-7         62.00

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