Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Donato Goes Home

Donato Hanover in action

December 3, 2007

Donato Hanover left his home at Hanover Shoe Farms in the fall of 2005 as a promising, but untried and untested, yearling. He'll return home the hero on December 5 when he leaves the racing stable of trainer Steve Elliott and begins his career as a stallion.

Donato Hanover, who has been syndicated at a value of more than $10 million, won 19 consecutive races over two seasons, along with $2.99 million in purses. His winning time in the Kentucky Futurity, 1:50.1, made him the fastest three-year-old trotter in the world and tied him (with Giant Diablo) as the fastest trotter in the world of any age.

The Hambletonian-winning colt will leave Elliott's stable in Englishtown, New Jersey on Wednesday morning, along with Ann Christin Johnsen, who has cared for him since his arrival two years ago. Donato Hanover is believed to be the most valuable horse ever to take up residence in Pennsylvania. His horse truck will receive a police escort from both the South Eastern Regional and Conewago Township police departments.