by Ken Weingartner, Harness Racing Communications
2011 Allerage finals from USTA on Vimeo.
Lexington, KY — San Pail’s trip to The Red Mile was a winning one as the 7-year-old captured the $145,000 Allerage Farms Open Trot on Saturday night (Oct. 1) in 1:52.1.
Hot Shot Blue Chip was second and Arch Madness finished third. Lucky Jim, who went off stride at the start, came back to get fourth.

USTA/Mark Hall photo
San Pail was a 1:52.1 winner in the Allerage Farms Open Trot.
Lanson and driver Mike Lachance led the field to the opening quarter-mile in :28 before Randy Waples moved San Pail to the front from third place. San Pail stayed on top the rest of the way, reaching the half in :56.1 and three-quarters in 1:25.3.
The unanimous No. 1-ranked horse in the current Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown Top 10 poll, the Canadian-based San Pail won for the 12th time in 14 races this year. He has earned $964,250 this season, and more than $2.5 million lifetime, for his owners, trainer Rod Hughes and Glenn Van Camp.
San Pail paid $3.20 to win.
“This horse has been unbelievable for us,” Hughes said. “The slow pace the first half kind of concerned me a little bit because I know they’re all going to be sprinting for home. But he looked strong off the last turn and he drew off. He was great.”
Hughes said San Pail will be pointed toward the Breeders Crown at the end of October at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto.
“This horse means everything,” Hughes said. “He’s been great for me, not that anyone knows who I am now, but they sure know who he is. Here we are at The Red Mile. This is a dream come true for me. To be here and win a race is just awesome.”