In his first year after being imported under the Le Trot program from France, he gave Dexter Dunn, the world renowned New Zealand born harness racing driver, the thrill of breaking the track record on International VDM day in Portmarnock Raceway
More success came in 2018 when this imposing chestnut trotter won The Maven Trot (The most valuable event for trotters in Ireland & The UK) at the hugely prestigious Red John Memorial Festival in Lyre. This past season his highlights as well as winning 8 times both on grass and hard tracks was claiming The Paddy Connolly Memorial Handicap at the Ballabuidhe Festival in Dunmanway in August
This past season was his fifth season racing in West Cork and has racked up over 30 wins and over €30,000 in purse money.
The veteran trotter turns 14 in January but Donal & Tadgh Murphy owners plan to race him in 2020.
"Look he may be getting on in years," Donal Murphy said, "but he's healthy and fit and enjoying life so we will race him next summer.
"Eoin (Tadgh & Christine son) jogs him all the time at home will drive him next year. He's as safe and sure footed as you can get and will give Eoin plenty experience and fun" said Donal who has been at the centre of Silvanos success over the years.
"I suppose Silvano has become the family pet at home," added Tadgh.
So success comes on the International stage for Harness Racing in West Cork and just around the corner on St Stephens Day in Drimoleague, the Winter Road Racing season kicks off .
by Tim Kelleher, for Harnesslink