Harness: Elver Hanover named Ohio's 2019 Horse of the Year

Elver Hanover, the 2019 Ohio 2-Year-Old Pacing Colt of the Year, has been named the 2019 Ohio Horse of the Year.

Elver Hanover, the son of Yankee Cruiser – Edra Hanover by The Panderosa, won all nine of his starts for trainer Ron Burke, his stable and ownership group of Dr. Bridgette Jablonsky, Jason Melillo, J&T Silva - Purnel & Libby, earning $363,450.

A world champion by way of winning the first division of the $324,800 Stay Hungry Bluegrass 2-Year-Old Colt Pace at Lexington in 1:48 3/5, Elver Hanover also won the Ohio Triple Crown which consists of the Ohio Sire Stakes Final, the Ohio Breeder’s Championship and the Ohio State Fair Stakes.

Bred at Hanover Shoe Farms, Elver Hanover’s Ohio earnings ($288,600) was almost double of the next closest colt.

Mickey Burke of Burke Racing Stable said the honor was well deserved. “It is very rare that you see a horse go nine for nine, lead the state and set world records,” said the elder Burke.

“There is something special about Elver Hanover” said part-owner Jablonsky. “He’s a gifted horse. He’s very fast and good gaited. He really knows how to win and get the job done.”

Elver Hanover and his connections were honored at the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association and United States Trotting Association’s District 1 Annual Awards Banquet January 18, 2020 in Columbus, Ohio.

The Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association (OHHA) is a non-profit organization serving Standardbred horse owners, breeders, trainers, drivers and fans who participate in the sport of harness racing in the Buckeye State.

OHHA was founded in 1953. The mission of the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association is to preserve, protect, promote and serve the entire Standardbred industry in Ohio and beyond.

-edited release (OHHA)