by Greg Gangle, WEG media

Campbellville, ON — With more than $1.82 million in earnings, two Maple Leaf Trot victories and a pair of O’Brien Awards to his name, San Pail has given trainer/co-owner Rod Hughes the journey of a lifetime.

He was a horse nobody wanted in the early stages of his career, but he could enter the history books by becoming just the second horse to win three straight editions of the Maple Leaf Trot.

The 59th edition of the race, the nation’s top event for older trotters, is worth C$730,000 in 2011. It is set for this Saturday night (July 23) at Mohawk Racetrack.

New Image Media photo

San Pail enters the Maple Leaf Trot with $1,823,356 in career earnings.

“That’s pretty special, especially because as you go back through my family, it’s all horse people,” Hughes said. “We love the horses and this is what it’s about, it’s not all about the money. I pride myself in making this horse last. To go into the record books on Maple Leaf Trot night would be a huge accomplishment.”

Hughes was quick to say how a horse like San Pail, who was kicked by another horse in his infancy and not thought to be racehorse material, has changed his life.

“He’s meant everything. He’s paid for my farm and completely changed my life. I just know that horses like him don’t come around every day or even at all. People look for this type of horse their entire life and don’t get it. I’ve lucked into him and I don’t take it for granted.”

Hughes, a resident of Dunsford, Ont., prides himself in taking care of San Pail first and worrying about the glory second.

“I did what I thought was best for the horse first, I worried about money second. As it’s turned out, he’s got just shy of $2 million earned and there’s not too many around with that kind of money.”

San Pail, a 42-time winner from 100 lifetime starts, tasted defeat for just the second time from nine starts this year as Lucky Jim edged him in the C$50,000 Maple Leaf Trot prep race this past Saturday at Mohawk.

Although seven-years-old, Hughes wouldn’t be surprised if his star turned in an even stronger year next season.

“I wouldn’t be surprised,” he said. “If we can travel a little bit with him this year and if he comes out of it well, then I think he could be better next year. I think he’s quieter this year, he’s still maturing and he’s easier to work around.”

The first Maple Leaf Trot victory for San Pail in 2009 is one race that Hughes will never forget.

“I want to tell you the track record he set at Kawartha Downs with me driving him was the most memorable race,” Hughes laughed. “But, it was definitely the 2009 Maple Leaf Trot with the amazing stretch drive against Arch Madness. That was just amazing from both horses and I still think about it.”

Primarily known as a WEG circuit horse, Hughes is contemplating taking his pupil south of the border.

“There is some consideration to take him south of the border. They (the Meadowlands) have him slated in to race in the Nat Ray, so if he comes out of the Maple Leaf Trot well, we will go there. Also, we will likely go to Lexington, the Credit Winner at Vernon Downs and American-National.”

The Red Mile in Lexington, Kentucky, is one of the fastest tracks around and Hughes wouldn’t be surprised if San Pail could record a sub-1:50 effort.

“I don’t like to be cocky about the ‘Pail,’ because I’m always cautious with him, but with the right trip and fractions, I do think he could go a wicked mile and break 1:50.”

When 10 of the finest older trotters in the world line up behind the starting gate this Saturday, Hughes has a number of opponents to be worried about.

“Arch Madness scares me the most,” he said. “He’s a world champion and has been racing unbelievable; same thing with Lucky Jim and Enough Talk, they’re all deadly.

“If he wins from post nine in this year’s ‘Trot’ that will be just as memorable. I know that’s a huge hurdle to win that kind of race from post nine, but we just have to hope for some good racing luck and a good trip.”

San Pail, co-owned by Glenn Van Camp and driven by Randy Waples, will try to match the three straight Maple Leaf Trot victories recorded by Grandpa Jim from 1969 to 1971.

The race will go as the seventh and is scheduled for 9:21 p.m.

Here’s how the trotters will line up behind the gate for the final: 1. Il Villaggio, 2. Hot Shot Blue Chip, 3. Enough Talk, 4. Define The World, 5. Arch Madness, 6. Four Starz Speed, 7. Triumphant Caviar, 8. Premiere Steed, 9. San Pail and 10. Lucky Jim.