#HORSERACING: PRINCE X PRINCESS DIARIES – JUNE 2020

And in the blink of an eye the 2020 season has begun at Woodbine Racetrack!  We heard the cries of frustration of the racing community and we couldn’t be happier for them. While we won’t be permitted to watch races in-person for a bit, watching them on TV from home gives us a  bit of comfort seeing familiar faces once again, even if from afar. The purses are bigger than ever, the daily handles are gastronomical. Some new stars are emerging and some are back with a vengeance!

 

Racing went off without a hitch on opening weekend @WoodbineTB. The combined Saturday/Sunday handle was a solid $11.3 million. Racing resumes Thursday. No Friday card this week. #woodbine

— Ron Gierkink (@DRFGierkink) June 7, 2020

 

Much credit goes to the team at Woodbine for ensuring everything was to standard and beyond getting the athletes and workers to this stage.

 

We had so much fun catching-up with some of our closest racing friends over Zoom today and we all agree we can’t wait to see each other again at the track. So blessed to have met so many friends in the community whom we’ve developed such strong bonds with that extend beyond the races. We were planning our road trips as soon as we’re permitted to be at the races again and already have a list of tracks to visit!

 

So nice seeing my racing pals on Zoom! @WoodbineTB, we are coming for you whenever you’ll let us! @ZenyattaMafia @reddogcw @All_ice007 @SPNnation74 @JohnW70112 pic.twitter.com/rVmGav2t6w

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) June 7, 2020

 

One question that popped-up was when Mr Will is going to make his big debut!  We’re thrilled to confirm that it’s happening soon, according to his Owner/Trainer Michelle Love. Physically, he’s never looked stronger and we are so grateful for the patience his Exercise Rider Nikki Alderson and Michelle have shown him. He does continue to throw some speedy workouts, which might go unnoticed when 150 horses are training at the same distance on the same day, many with much more experience than him. We learned that William‘s gate training was his biggest obstacle showing his teenage moodiness and reluctance to go in, but we’re thrilled to report that he got his “Gate Card” this past weekend. This means that he’s met the standard to begin racing soon! We’re overjoyed.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Game faces. ♦️ Thanks @ellenschoemanphotography for capturing Nikki and me today!

A post shared by MrWillTheHorse (@mrwillthehorse) on Jun 6, 2020 at 1:40pm PDT

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

That’s me on the inside!

A post shared by MrWillTheHorse (@mrwillthehorse) on May 30, 2020 at 6:25am PDT

 

William has been working in company and keeping-up with his stablemate Bend in the River who lost only narrowly today in his second race. Sadly, his buddy was claimed by a new Owner and Trainer, but Michelle had done an amazing job with that one getting him ready. We’re confident William will make us proud as he figures out what it is to be a racehorse. We don’t expect him to get it right off the bat. Like us, sometimes we take a few tries to get it. Don’t be surprised if you see his name in the entries really soon!

 

He did a bit of schooling today with Jayne, his Caretaker and Michelle tells us he was on his best behaviour.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

More training with Mom and Jayne. I was a very good boy, Mom says. Thank God there were no gates!

A post shared by MrWillTheHorse (@mrwillthehorse) on Jun 7, 2020 at 1:22pm PDT

 

We all love Princess (A Pic by Mrwill) and while this isolation period has us missing our Mr Will and Princess time, it gives us great reassurance knowing how well cared-for they are.  Princess and her family have moved to a fantastic facility temporarily while her forever home is completing renovation at her Mom Emily Fisher‘s private residence. She misses her little brothers Freddy and Eddy so much, the latter who loves to chase her and the girls around, keeping them fit! But they will be reunited soon!

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

You called? 📳

A post shared by Princess 🍎 (@apicbymrwill) on May 5, 2020 at 4:22pm PDT

 

Doesn’t she look gorgeous? Great to know she’s keeping-up with her grooming. Hoping we can get a haircut soon too!

View this post on Instagram

 

Remember to love everybody. 🖤

A post shared by Princess 🍎 (@apicbymrwill) on Jun 2, 2020 at 6:10am PDT

 

Wishing everyone an amazing 2020 racing season. Win lots! We hope it won’t be long before we see you again!

 

Follow along on Social Media:

Emily: @emifisher

Michelle: @missesluv

Princess on Instagram: @apicbymrwill

Princess on Twitter: @apicbymrwill

Princess on Facebook: APicbyMrwill

Prince William on Instagram: @mrwillthehorse

Prince William on Twitter: @mrwillthehorse

 

(Photo credit: Emily Fisher/Michelle Love/Ellen Schoeman)