by Steve Fitzsimmons
It has been a very odd type of season, with everything that we've had to contend with regarding Covid 19. It started with our race track having only essential personnel and horse people and no fans allowed and has ended with a limited number of only 100 fans able to attend.
First of all, I want to give a huge thank you to the horsemen and women who have supported our race track with their attendance and the entry of their horses. You are the show and a great show this season it was. We also appreciate you rolling with the punches on the protocols we have had to deal with together, to keep us safe. I know it was different for all of us, but you dealt with it without complaint. For that I say thank you.
As many of you are aware, this was my first season as the General Manager of Hanover Raceway. Even in the middle of a pandemic, it was a pleasure to be here and to be a part of helping to make the Raceway be the best it can be. It's a team effort and I can honestly say that we have a fantastic group of employees, who all take great pride and care in their work and who have done a tremendous job.
To everyone at home and those who have been able to come to the track, thank you so very much for all of your support, encouragement and positive messages. With your support this season, we expect our wagering will be up over 90% compared to last year! Many of you have told us how much you enjoy our broadcast of the races, as well as our pre-game show and between races commentary.
We appreciate that and it's been a lot of fun bringing that to you every week. Tony Elliott did a great job in his role as our Analyst. For a rookie, he performed like a seasoned veteran and was also my Assistant here at the Raceway. He was a huge part of our success this season and should be very proud of his efforts. I know I am.
We had great moments this season. One big one was Remember Titans winning the Dream of Glory final in a modest upset, giving Driver Doug McNair his first Dream of Glory win and making a winner of the large Landmark 12 Ownership group that owns Remember Titans. I'm told there are over 60 owners. About 15 of them were here that day and made it quite an atmosphere.
We also had the poignant victory of Sweet Soul David in the Balanced Image final, a horse named after Driver Denis St. Pierre's 18 year old son, who passed away a couple years ago in an unfortunate motorcycling accident. St. Pierre was in the bike and visibly moved that his son's namesake delivered when it mattered most. It was a touching scene in the winner's circle that brought a tear even to the most hardened observer.
There were also two appearances from the all-time winningest mare in Canadian racing history, 12 year old Rustys Flying, who chalked up wins number 102 and 103 in her hard knocking career. We're glad we could be a small part on the journey of this iron tough lady.
As we look forward to next season, we all share the hope that we'll be able to have as many of you who wish to come to the race track, to be able to do so. Thanks again and stay healthy and safe and see you all in 2021.
Steve Fitzsimmons is the General Manager of Hanover Raceway.
Follow him on Twitter @playbyplayguy
