HERE’S HANNAH SERVES NOTICE
SHE’S READY TO RESUME WINNING WAYS
Thrilling Finish at the Wire in Ross McLeod Stakes
Vancouver, B.C. (May 6) – On the way back to the winner’s circle aboard Here’s Hannah Sunday afternoon, jockey Richard Hamel kept pointing an outstretched hand at the smart-looking filly making her first start as a three-year-old. It was as if Hamel was saying to the cheering crowd: “Give her the credit, not me.”
Here’s Hannah had even her owners thinking the possibility of a dead-heat as she edged a charging Gigi Jean by a nose – maybe a nostril – in the $50,000 Ross McLeod at Hastings Racecourse.
“I’m getting too old for finishes like this,” joked Paul Caravetta, co-owner with BC Stables.
Here’s Hannah was named champion two-year-old filly in B.C. last year with an unblemished record of three wins in three starts under trainer John Morrison, all with Hamel in the irons. Two of those victories came in $100,000 stake races: the Sadie Diamond Futurity and the Fantasy.
“She came to the track this season fit and ready to go,” Morrison said. “She’s been training pretty hard.”
Hamel said he was aware the Ross McLeod would be providing some stiff competition but nobody expected jockey Denis Araujo to guide the Craig MacPherson-trained Gigi Jean through traffic like he did and rally with such a rush in the closing strides.
For Hamel it turned out be a perfect homecoming weekend after spending the off-season recovering from knee surgery. He was in complete control aboard Weekend Wizard Saturday winning the $50,000 Jim Coleman Province by five-and-a-half lengths.
“It’s great to be back,” Hamel said Saturday. He didn’t have to repeat himself Sunday. His thoughts were more than evident as he repeatedly pointed to Here’s Hannah with that unique victory salute en route to the winner’s circle.
Live racing resumes at Hastings Saturday and Sunday with 1:50 p.m. starts.
For more information:
Darren MacDonald
dmacdonald@hastingsracecourse.com