Henry
Cano, who works in the Ake Svanstedt Stable based in central New Jersey and was
the groom of three finalists in last August’s Hambletonian, has been named the
recipient of the 2021 Caretaker of the Year Award sponsored by Art Zubrod and
Leah Cheverie’s Fair Island Farm in conjunction with the U.S. Harness Writers
Association.
Cano,
32, has worked for Svanstedt for three years. Previously, he spent more than a
dozen years working for Erv Miller.
“I’m
very happy,” Cano said. “I never expected this. I never thought this could
happen to me. But it happened and I’m excited about it.”
Cano
was the caretaker of six horses last year, including Svanstedt’s trio of
Hambletonian Stakes finalists: Captain Corey, Ambassador Hanover, and
Delayed Hanover. Captain Corey and Delayed Hanover were Hambletonian
elimination winners and Captain Corey went on to capture the $1
million final. Ambassador Hanover finished third in the final and Delayed
Hanover was fourth.
“You
can be the favorite and you still don’t know if you’re going to win,” Cano
said. “We got a little luck. I couldn’t believe it. It was an exciting day.
It’s something I will always remember, for all time.”
Captain
Corey earned $758,695 last year while Ambassador Hanover banked $434,189
and Delayed Hanover had $257,510. All three 3-year-old trotting colts, who were
in Cano’s care since arriving at the Svanstedt Stable as yearlings, were
winners on the Grand Circuit.
In
addition, Cano was the caretaker of 2-year-old trotting colt Coach K Hanover,
another Grand Circuit winner and runner-up in the Valley Victory Stakes.
“I
just love to spend time with the horses,” said Cano, who had horses while
growing up in Guatemala and came to the U.S. about 17 years ago. “I love to see
them get to the track and see them race. I just feel good working them.”
All
caretakers in North America were eligible for the Fair Island Farm Caretaker of
the Year Award, with nomination letters submitted detailing the skills and
special qualities of the nominee. Cano had multiple people nominate him,
including Sarah and Ake Svanstedt as well as 10 of his fellow caretakers at the
Svanstedt Stable.
“Henry
is a self-motivated, responsible, hard-working individual who has a deep
passion for the horses and this sport,” the Svanstedts wrote in their
nomination letter. “He is a team player and has a great respect toward us and
his fellow workers. He is very detail oriented and makes sure his horses get
the best care possible.
“None
of (the success) would be possible without the exceptional care he gives to his
horses. Henry’s horses are his top priority, and you can tell. We are lucky to
have him working for us and appreciate everything he does.”
Cano’s
fellow caretakers wrote, “His horses are always looking good and are well
behaved. He has a special good hand with the young colts, and he educates them
to be perfect behaved horses. In the barn he is the guy who always has his
things done perfectly, but whenever you drop by, he always has the time for a
chat. He is always in a good mood and is a good support for his colleagues.”
A
seven-member panel of former caretakers selected Cano the winner of the Fair
Island Farm Caretaker of the Year Award. Cano will receive a cash prize of
$1,000 as well as transportation costs to the USHWA Dan Patch Awards banquet in
Orlando, Fla., on Sunday night (Feb. 20), where he will be recognized and
presented with a trophy.
He
also will receive a two-night stay at Rosen Shingle Creek, host hotel for the
USHWA activities, as well as two complimentary dinner tickets.
A
total of 18 caretakers were nominated for the Fair Island Farm Caretaker of the
Year Award. All nominated caretakers will receive a certificate recognizing
their accomplishments.
Information
on accommodations at Rosen Shingle Creek and dinner tickets can be found at the
U.S. Harness Writers Association website here.
