Tioga Downs: Emoticon Hanover establishes new world record in Joie De Vie victory

Emoticon Hanover, sent off at 6-1, set a new world record of 1:50 2/5 for a 4-year-old mare trotter on a five-eighths mile track in winning this afternoon's $150,000 Joie De Vie for older female trotters at Tioga Downs.

With Dan Dube calling the shots, Emoticon Hanover went to the lead from post four, and gave Hannelore Hanover (Yannick Gingras) the cold shoulder, forcing her into the pocket before the 26 second opening quarter. Pasithea Face S (Tim Tetrick), who set a track record of 1:50 4/5 last Sunday in winning a Ms. Versatility leg, landed in third.

In the second quarter there was no movement, and that allowed Dube to get Emoticon Hanover to the half in just 55 1/5. That might have been the key development, as Emoticon Hanover was able to open up on the backstretch and to the 1:22 4/5 three-quarters before she sailed home in 27 3/5 to defeat Hannelore Hanover by about a length and a half. Caprice Hill (Brian Sears) came up the inside in the stretch and got third over Pasithea Face S.

The previous world record for a 4-year-old mare trotter on a five-eighths mile track was 1:51 2/5 set by Frau Blucher at Pocono in 2014.

"She was strong, and she was awesome to rate like that," said Dube. She was strong finishing, and she was fresh. Luc (trainer Luc Blais) brought her down here, and she was feeling real good. In the last turn when I pulled the earplugs, she gave me a little run again, and I said 'we'll be okay here.'"

A daughter of Kadabra, Emoticon Hanover is trained by Blais for owner Determination (Serge Godin). Emoticon Hanover picked up her 13th career victory, and she has now earned $814,302. Emoticon Hanover returned $14.40 to win.