How’s this for an Emoticon? $

It probably will not happen, but Emoticon Hanover could be named Canada’s Harness Horse of the Year.

While her credentials are impeccable, four-year-old trotting mares just do not have the same cache that some of the other divisions do. Nevertheless, there is much to admire in Emoticon’s 2017 season.

She has based her career from the Campbellville Road farm of the Determination Stable of Quebec, which employs trainer Luc Blais to condition the stable of bluebloods.

Emoticon Hanover is one having cost $165,000 as a yearling, which now looks like a bargain given that her earnings stand at just under $1.3 million.

“I had just come to work for Determination and was not accustomed to spending big money like that on horses,” says Blais.

“For sure, I liked her, but it is a team decision on what is purchased.”

“There is a group of people who all contribute, and everyone liked her. She is very athletic but in a feminine way. She has long legs and neck all in balance. There is a lot to like about her.”

After winning $446,000 this season, which is supposedly the most demanding of a race horse’s career, that might be an understatement.

In the winter, Blais stated that he believed she had every chance to make the transition to racing with older horses because she finished her three-year-old campaign so strongly. He was right on the money and is saying the same about her prospects for 2018.

While a bit slow at the start she hit her stride in the back half of her 13 races, winning the Breeders Crown, Miss Versatility, Joie De Vie and Allerage stakes. Her last start was a creditable second to Hannelore Hanover, possibly the North American Harness Horse of the Year.

“I had a good feeling about her as a yearling, then a good one last winter and now again. She finished healthy and in good form, which makes me think she could have an even better year in 2018,” says Blais.

“The big thing about her is the fact she is so consistent. Only once this year was she outside the first three. For sure she is the best horse I have ever been around because she never went a bad race.”

There is also the possibility of a European spring campaign. While there has been no invitation forthcoming yet, the Scandinavians, who have a series of races culminating with the famed Elitlopp at the end of May, would dearly love to have her compete.

“We have not given it a lot of thought but certainly would if we got a call. The plan now is to continue her break until mid-January and then start back. It is great to have one like this in the barn because she pays the bills for those that are not consistent or the quality that she is,” says Blais.

For the second consecutive year, Blais has won more than $2 million with his team. Last year, he was totally overlooked in the voting for Canadian Trainer of the Year and likely will have the same fate this time around. However, he has well proven himself to be an exceptional developer and manager of young horses.

For the winter he has another barn full of top prospects, but Emoticon Hanover is the queen of the group and the best may be yet to come.