After a tough second-place finish behind Oil Machine on January 31, 2026, trainer Saqlain Roman’s confidence in Mack and Rome proved well-founded. On Saturday, February 7, the five-year-old bay horse surged to a 3 ¾ length victory in the $1.25 million George HoSang Trophy, an Overnight Allowance contest held over the five-furlong (1,000m) straight course.
A chance ride by Garvin Harris, Mack and Rome stopped the clock at 57.4 (23.2 x 45.4), comfortably gapping runners-up Bulletproofcoffee (Demar Williams) and Champion Bubbler (Tevin Foster). Roman attributed much of the success to the horse’s favourable outside draw at post 14, which allowed the sprinter to find his rhythm without interference.
"Based on the outside draw, I was confident in his winning chances. Going five furlongs straight, you want to draw on the outside. From as long as you have speed and you are drawn on the outside, you will leave them [sprint away]," Roman explained.
The trainer also noted that the horse’s specific temperament requires a nuanced ride. "Mack and Rome doesn’t like when you rush him from the gates, he loves when you let him break on his own and then take time to pick up. I am very pleased with the performance," he said.
Jockey Garvin Harris executed the plan precisely, noting, “The trainer said I must get a good break and stay at my position at the 14 number. I was confident in getting the job done and I did that.”
With this victory secured, the stable is now looking toward the Open Allowance level. Regarding the future, Roman added: "Let’s see how he comes out of this race and then up to the Open Allowance level for him."
Mack And Rome races in Open Allowance for the first occasion tomorrow (Saturday, February 14, 2026).
