Malek Hanover claimed top dog status at Scarborough Downs this season, dominating the voting for Pacer of the Year honors much as he dominated his competition on the raceway throughout all of 2011.

The 7-year-old son of Western Hanover remained at the top of his game throughout the nine-month Scarborough meeting, reigning victorious 14 times while placing top-three in an astounding 22 of 27 starts. The Bo Sowers trainee amassed a truly respectable seasonal bankroll totaling $73,709 while racing primarily in the state of Maine Free For All ranks with an occasional foray into the New Brunswick Invitational tussles.

Malek Hanover etched his name into the Scarborough Downs Wall of Merit earlier this season by virtue of a 1:53.3 clocking; the 4th fastest mile ever recorded in the 61 year history of the seaside oval.

“His owner, Allison Derrah [of Arnprior, Ontario, Canada], passed away 2 years ago but the estate wanted to continue to race Malek so we kept him in training," trainer Bo Sowers said. "He continues to race at the top of his game and I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue to work with this fine racehorse. He's taking a well-deserved break from the rigors of the raceway right now but he'll be back, hopefully to defend this honor next season."

Malek Hanover closed out the season just as strong as he began it, claiming back-to-back victories in the final two Free For All events carded at Scarborough Downs this year. Underrated, perhaps at various points in his career, he left little doubt in the minds of both pundits and punters alike this season that his name deserves to be mentioned with the very best who have ever tread over the Scarborough twice-around.

Malek Hanover has rightfully earned his accolades and is truly one for the ages - The pride of Scarborough Downs.