Hail Mary S competes in the 2024 MGM Yonkers

Fans of harness racing in North America will have the opportunity to see Swedish trotting sensation Hail Mary S compete in the 2024 MGM Yonkers International Trot this Saturday. Unlike many international entrants, Hail Mary S's team plans for the talented trotter to stay in the U.S. for the remainder of the stakes season, and potentially beyond.

Despite starting his career later in his three-year-old season, Hail Mary has established an impressive track record in Europe, boasting a career record of 26 wins and 3 placings from 52 starts, accumulating over USD 1.76 million for owner Mehdi Yazdanpanh under the Stall Mary AB banner. This eight-year-old son of Googoo Gaagaa, who is out of Dreams — a half-sibling to the legendary Moni Maker — was initially conditioned by Robert Bergh. He then transitioned to Daniel Redén's training barn before his six-year-old season, where he continues to train.

Following the International Trot, Yazdanpanh announced that the 2023 U.S. Trainer of the Year, Åke Svanstedt, will take charge of Hail Mary S for the rest of his North American endeavours.

"Hail Mary has earned nearly 17 million Swedish Kronor so far, and we have reinvested every penny into the sport, which we do not regret for even a moment. A huge thank you to everyone who has participated and contributed to these incredible experiences, especially Robert Bergh and Daniel Redén," Yazdanpanh expressed on social media. "We’re excited about the new chapter as we decide to let Hail remain in the USA after the International Trot under Åke Svanstedt's management."

With a lifetime the best time of 1:50.2, Hail Mary has claimed victories in prestigious races including the Swedish Trotting Derby, Breeders Crown, and Aby Grand Prix, among other Group I events. He also celebrated a win in the Group I Jamtland Grand Prix on June 9 for the second year in a row.

The MGM Yonkers International Trot will headline a thrilling card starting at 12:15 p.m. on September 7, featuring two $250,000 Invitationals for older horses and the $1.8 million finals of the New York Sire Stakes. In addition, Yonkers Raceway will offer a significant betting opportunity with a special mandatory payout $1 Pick 5 wager beginning in Race 5, coinciding with the MGM Yonkers International Trot. This wager will include a $50,000 carryover funded by the Standardbred Owners Association of New York. Partnering with the USTA’s Strategic Wagering Program, the pool will be guaranteed at $150,000, and free past performances will be available for bettors.