by Bob Heyden, the Meadowlands

East Rutherford, NJ — When you turn the page to the ninth race on Thursday night (Jan. 14) at the Meadowlands, you might want to root just a little harder for #3, Malek Hanover.

The 6-year-old gelded son of Western Hanover is making his 92nd career start, but for just the second time, he’s racing at the Meadowlands for trainer Philip ‘Bo’ Sowers and owner Allison E. Derrah of Gordonstown, New Brunswick, Canada. The first time was last week, and even though the Kevin Switzer, Jr. driven winner of $73,647 finished seventh, it was the ‘thrill of a lifetime’ for both trainer and owner.

Especially considering that Derrah has been hospitalized since December 22 in New Brunswick with lung cancer.

“I’m comfortable. I’m not doing too bad. It could be better,” said the 55-year-old Derrah, who has spent the last 35 years of his life milking Holstein cows. “I guess being around horses all the time it was something I eventually wanted to get into. I’ve owned horses for about three years now. I currently have six horses. I guess you could say Malek Hanover is my favorite. He was racing at Carlton County last year in the winter, and then on to Bangor and Saint John. I bought him at Saint John. But he raced most of the year in Maine.”

How did Derrah come to race at the Meadowlands?

“It’s always been a dream of mine. Racing last week — even though we finished seventh — was the biggest thrill I ever had in the game. Right after the race I was on the phone with Bo and I said, ‘We ARE coming back next week, right?’ He said, ‘Of course.'”

The decision to use 22-year-old Kevin Switzer, Jr.?

“He’d driven for me quite a bit in Maine.”

Now how do you get to see the race, to watch your horse race?

“I have it on the computer. I’m looking forward to the race this week. I hope he does a little better.”

Bo Sowers trains Malek Hanover, and he, too, is like a kid in the candy store racing at the Meadowlands.

“I’d only read about Brian Sears and John Campbell and the big names in the magazines. Then, for the first time, I was in the paddock right there with them. It was an unbelievable feeling. Everyone, from the people in licensing on down, were great to me. Made me feel just like I belonged.

“I’ve been on my own for about three years now. I’ve always wanted to race at the Meadowlands but never did. I still can’t believe it. I look at the drivers and see a race with ten world class drivers in it. George Brennan had driven for us before, but it seems like they are all here. I can’t wait to get back there Thursday night.”

“I was just like my father,” continued Bo, “as soon as we could walk, we were involved with the horses. My father worked with names like Earle Avery way back when. I was always working with him, but then I took a job driving a truck for 14 years — a cheap way to see the world. I loved it, but never got too far away from the horses. It’s in my blood. I’m hoping that Malek Hanover can do some good — it would be great.

“I’m really happy because Allison’s had a real good week. Charlene Cushing came by to visit him and he really perked up. I think Allison is incredibly happy racing him here. It’s not real important where the horse finishes, just the thrill of having a horse at the Meadowlands is enough — even overwhelming.”