MILTON, October 21, 2025 – Competitors and supporters gathered Tuesday evening at Country Heritage Park in Milton, Ontario for a special post-position draw and a dinner celebrating this weekend’s Breeders Crown at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
The draws for the 3-year-old Colt Trot, the 3-year-old Colt Pace and the Open Pace were held to set the stage for this weekend’s 12 championship races. Posts for the other nine Crown events were drawn during last Friday and Saturday’s live race cards.
Michael Copeland, CEO Woodbine Entertainment, opened the meeting with shared gratitude.
“Our leadership in Breeders Crown dates back to the first edition in 1984, and Woodbine has hosted more Crown races than any other racetrack operator. We are very proud and privileged to receive this accolade. Thank you to John Campbell, Moira Fanning and the entire team at the Hambletonian Society,” said Copeland.
“It is our pleasure to welcome the very best in harness racing to Woodbine Mohawk Park,” continued Copeland. “Big congratulations to all our local owners, drivers and trainers who will be participating. We are very proud of our local racing industry here in Ontario, and we are excited to see the amount of success at the highest level.”
The first drawing was for the 3-year-old Colt Trot, which did not require any eliminations.
Monserrate, at post position 5, is trained by Andrew Harris.
“He’s done a great job here in Canada, so I hope he has better performances under his belt,” Harris said.
Harris also trains Yo Tillie, post position 4 in the Breeders Crown for 3-year-old Filly Trot.
“[Yo Tillie] is just great, she’s fantastic, she’s easy to work with, and she just seems super sharp,” Harris said.
$600,000 USD Breeders award three-year-old colt and gelding trot
Post – Horse (father) – Trainer
1. Meshuggah (Green shoe)-Marcus Melander
2. Super Chapter (Chapter seven) – Marcus Melander
3. Maryland (Chapter seven)-Marcus Melander
4. Emoticon Legacy (Walter) – Luc Blais
5. Monserrate (Chapter seven) – Andrew Harris
6. Gimpansee dancer (Chimpanzees)- Chris Bever
7. Happy Jack B (Chapter seven)-Ake Svanstedt
8. Groenma (Green shoe)-Trond Smedshammer
9. Mr Mouton (Chapter seven)-Ake Svanstedt
10. Go Dog Go (Green shoe)-Carter Pinske
The draw for 3-year-old Colt Pace followed. Dr. Ian Moore trains elimination winner Prince Hal Hanover.
“We were very happy to see that [win]. He’s had a hard time,” says Moore. “It’s very difficult to keep a horse at that level all summer.”
“He’s done well, he’s maintained his weight this year, which he didn’t do so well at the end of last year, so we’re hoping for big things for the rest of the year,” Moore continued.”
The undefeated Beau Jangles in the 2-year-old Colt Pace is again a star for trainer Dr. Ian Moore
“Whatever happens to this colt on Friday night, it’s been a great ride for all of us and we’ve enjoyed it immensely and that’s what horse racing is all about,” Moore said. “That’s why we train these babies and judge these wild creatures every fall, so I’m looking forward to a good race Friday night.”
Pepsi North America Cup winner Louprint will look to bounce back from his first loss of the season in the 3-year-old Colt Pace.
“I thought he raced great, I actually thought he would step up, but the thing is I’m not taking anything away from Hunter’s colt, (Dandy Ideal) he never stopped,” said trainer Ron Burke. “If we get beat this week, we’ll go down in flames.”
$600,000 USD Breeders crown three-year-old colt and gelding pace
Post – Horse (father) – Trainer
1. Madden Oak (Huntsville) – Cameron Capone
2. Manolete (Livestock washing)-Bruce Saunders
3. Prince Hal Hannover (Captain treacherous)-Dr. Ian Moore
4. Captain Optimistic (Captain treacherous) – Nancy Takter
5. Dandy Ideal (American Ideal)-Hunter Oakes
6. Sippinonsearoc (Down on the coast)-Ron Burke
7. Crackshot (Gambler’s delight)-Gregg McNair
8. Louprint (Dear Lou) – Ron Burke
9. TH Colby (Dad Rob Hanover) – Ron Burke
10. Merger (Always B Miki)-Brett Pelling
The Breeders Crown Open Pace will be a heavyweight bout, featuring elimination winners Ken Hanover and Ervin Hanover.
The Dave Menary-trained Ervin Hanover has been electric in recent months, winning each of his last four starts, including a tough takedown attempt.
“It was a big effort to come out first from way back in those factions,” Menary said. “When you’re at this level you have to race hard every week.”
$600,000 USD Breeders Crown Open Tempo
Post – Horse (father) – Trainer
1. Trainer Stefanos (Soup to order) – Erv Miller
2. Ken Hanover (Captain treacherous)-Roland Goods
3. Captain Albano (Captain treacherous)-Noel Daley
4. Calicojack Hannover (Captain treacherous) – Luc Blais
5. Ervin Hanover (Captain treacherous) – Dexter Dunn
6. Coaches Corner (Always a virgin) – Per Engblom
7. Mickey Maximus (Always B Miki) – Thomas Cancelliere
8. Nijinsky (Gambler’s delight) – Antony Beaton
9. Oak wood Ardan IR (Dear Lou)-Robert Cleary
10. Huntinthelastdolar (Huntsville) – Per Engblom
John Campbell, CEO and President of the Breeders Crown, addressed the crowd to conclude the evening.
“It has been a long and cherished relationship between the Hambletonian Society and Woodbine Entertainment, and we look forward to the same relationship in the future.”
“I have to say a huge thank you to the entire Standardbred industry,” continued Campbell. “The Breeders Crown purses are all funded by the industry, from the stallion owners to the yearling nominators to the owners and trainers to pay for their horses. To the competitors who will be here this weekend, owners, trainers and riders. We thank you all and wish you the best of luck racing this weekend.”
The Breeders Crown 3-year-old Colt Trot will be carded as Race 6 on Saturday.
The Breeders Crown 3-year-old Colt Pace will be carded as Race 8 on Saturday.
The Breeders Crown Open Pace will be carded as Race 9 on Saturday.
Friday night’s card at Woodbine Mohawk Park features the Breeders Crown finals for 2-year-olds. The four events are designated as Races 6 through 9. Post time is 6:35 p.m
Saturday’s second Crown card at Mohawk Park will feature the finals for the 3-year-old and open divisions. The eight Crown events are designated as Races 2 through 9. Post time is 6:35 p.m. For the latest information on the Breeders Crown, visit WoodbineMohawkPark.com
By Woodbine Entertainment
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