Montreal, Quebec – Betty and Tony Infilise of Hudson Standardbred Stable, together with Mark and Shawn Steacy, wish to inform Sylvia Hanover fans that she has been officially retired from racing
and will soon travel to Kentuckiana Farms in Kentucky to begin an exciting new chapter as a
cherished broodmare.
Sylvia has provided countless unforgettable moments for the Infilise family, the entire Team
Steacy, and the many fans who have cheered her on over the past four years. She earned two
Breeders Crowns, numerous Grand Circuit stakes victories, and an impressive 27 wins with
career earnings of C$3,172,024 (US$2,268,468).
This year, Sylvia set a world record on a 5/8-mile track with a time of 1:47.2 at Plainridge,
winning the Clara Barton Distaff Pace over Twin B Joe Fresh. She was recognized as Two-
Year-Old Pacing Filly of the Year in both Canada and the United States in 2022, and again as
Three-Year-Old Pacing Filly of the Year in both countries in 2023. She also earned Canada’s
O’Brien Horse of the Year title in 2023.
We sincerely thank everyone who has been part of Team Sylvia for making her journey so
special, especially her fans whose support meant so much throughout her career. The care
and affection shown to Sylvia, exemplified by her devoted groom Natasha Steacy, were truly
remarkable. The guidance, stewardship, and management provided by Shawn and Mark
Steacy are deeply appreciated by our family.
Following her final two starts, including a fourth-place finish in the Breeders Crown, an MRI
was conducted on her right foot and fetlock. While most findings were positive, an injury to
her collateral ligament was discovered, requiring approximately four months of rest.
Although her prognosis for a racing return was favorable, we have chosen to retire her now
and look forward with great excitement to cheering on her future foals.