Square Dancer up in time in Redekop Classic

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Square Dancer got up in the last jump to edge Modern by a nose in the $100,000 Redekop Classic at Hastings on Monday. He paid $8.30 as the second choice behind Mr. Bowling in the 1 1/8-mile race for 3-year-olds and up.

With Scott Williams aboard, Square Dancer was well back early while Modern set a moderate pace, especially for him. Square Dancer started to get into gear at the three-eighths pole and was in full flight when he went four wide around the stretch turn. He was five wide when he straightened out for the stretch and was able to wear Modern down in the final stride.

“I wanted to be a little closer, but he stumbled at the start, and then he was on the bridle pretty good early,” said Williams. “He settled nicely, though and I felt like I had a lot of horse, so I just tried to keep him in the clear. He really kicked it into gear when I asked him to.”

Trainer Steve Henson was emotionally drained following the thrilling win. He was still getting over the shock of watching Groot, a horse he trains, clip heels and go down in the Nursery. It looked like Groot had a good chance to win the $50,000 race for 2-year-olds when he fell.

“Talk about the highs and lows of racing,” said Henson. “After watching Groot’s race, I just wanted to go home, and then this. When I saw him start to move at the three-eighths pole, I started to get pretty excited because I thought he was going to win. Scotty gave him a great ride. You know how much I love B.C. Cup Day, and this is a pretty special win.”

It was the second straight win for Square Dancer, who is owned by the 200 members of the Hastings Racing Club.

The final time was 1:50.15.

Jockey Richard Hamel won three of the six stakes on the nine-race card. He was aboard C U At Eau Claire for her one-length win over Snuggles in the $50,000 B.C. Cup Debutante for 2-year-old fillies. Hippie, the odds-on favorite in the 6 1/2-furlong sprint, finished third after forcing the early pace.

C U At Eau Clair posted a final time of 1:18.69. She is trained by Greg Tracy.

Hamel also won the $75,000 Pegasus Distaff with Arabella’s Muse ($4.20) and the Dogwood with Quatre Cat ($3.90).

The total handle for the nine races was $1,329,986.