Apex secured a narrow victory in the $1 million Hambletonian Stakes for 3-year-old trotters, setting a stakes-record time of 1:49.2 at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J. The win came in a closely contested race where Apex narrowly held off the favorite, Big Ranger, to claim the title (winnipegfreepress.com).
Swedish trainer Marcus Melander celebrated another success in the U.S., as his horse Apex triumphed in the Hambletonian after a photo finish. The victory marked Melander’s first win in the prestigious event, adding to his recent success with Nezuko Kamado in the Oaks. “Thank God we won,” Melander said following the win (aftonbladet.se).
The race, which took place on Saturday, was the highlight of the Meadowlands meet, drawing a large crowd and generating significant excitement among horse racing fans. Apex’s record-breaking time of 1:49.2 not only secured the win but also set a new benchmark for the event.
Melander’s team continues to make waves in American horse racing, with Apex’s performance showcasing the strength of Swedish-trained horses in international competition. The win underscores the growing influence of European trainers in top-tier U.S. races.
