#HORSERACING: SHAMAN GHOST WINS THE 2015 QUEEN’S PLATE!

Fascinators!  Fashion!  Fast Horses! Fabulaaaas! Woodbine Racetrack was the place to be yesterday for the 156th running of North America’s most historic Horse Race, the Queen’s Plate. If there were any doubt of a sharp resurgence in the popularity of the Sport, record betting handles were reported yesterday with a total $11.06 million bet, smashing 2009’s $9.7 million record. Attribute it to new icon AMERICAN PHAROAH and his U.S. Triple Crown feat, or a smart advertising strategy – either way, Horse Racing is back.

SHAMAN GHOST would go-on to win the $1-million race restricted to three-year-old horses born in Canada, with a total twelve males and one female entrant.  The handsome Frank Stronach-owned colt by the stallion Ghostzapper (also owned by Stronach) would sweep on by the competition late to win by 1 1/4 lengths under U.S. jockey Rafael Hernandez, paying $8.60 to a $2 bet.  Race Favourite DANISH DYNAMFORMER almost looked like he was going to win the race under Patrick Husbands – who won the race with LEXIE LOU last year – but simply was outfinished. CONQUEST BOOGALOO who was thought widely to be a second-tier colt from the barn of champion trainer Mark Casse, rose to the occasion to finish third after a horrific start to the race which saw him shut-out.  His two more high profile stablemates DANZIG MOON and CONQUEST CURLINATE were thought to be top contenders before suffering unfortunate fates, the former being euthanized tragically and the latter being retired after a brief but promising career.

Earlier on the 13-race Card, we saw promising two-year-old BELIVEAU win under Patrick Husbands for trainer Mark Casse and owners Windways Farm & Partners in the $150k Clarendon Stakes.  Champion mare STRUT THE COURSE did exactly as her name suggests before a packed grandstand in the $200k Grade II Dance Smartly Stakes, under Luis Contreras for Owner John Unger and trainer Barb Minshall.  The speedy GO BLUE OR GO HOME would win the $200k Highlander Stakes a second time (he won it in 2013) for Owners Jim & Susan Hill and trainer Reade Baker, with now-Woodbine-based jockey Alan Garcia.  ALDOUS SNOW, named after Russell Brand‘s memorable character in Get Him to the Greek, would defend his title successfully  in the $150k Singspiel Stakes for iconic Canadian outfit Sam-Son Farm, trainer Malcolm Pierce and jockey Eurico Rosa Da Silva.

From a fashion standpoint, we definitely saw men and women bringing their Fashion A-Game to the table, thanks to the high-profile presence of CTV‘s The Social, which had a tent set-up by the Hats & Horseshoes Party by Woodbine‘s scenic Walking Ring. Ladies put thought into their looks with a rainbow of Fascinators, while men are embracing tailoring and more form-fitting cuts. Hosts Cynthia Loyst, Lainey Lui, Traci Melchor and Melissa Grelo heightened the fun and prestige as several high-profile entertainment industry-types were seen taking-in the atmosphere.  Rethink Breast Cancer also had a great presence with a tent set-up, hosting several influencial fashion-types, with ticket proceeds going towards research and awareness.

See the Race:

Enough typing, let’s do some gawking!

 

With the stunning Bri Mott of Fashion at the Races:

Love everything my bae Bri Mott is doing for the game and making it speak to young women. So nice seeing you @fashionattheraces!! #HorseRacing #QP15 #QueensPlate

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jul 5, 2015 at 5:38pm PDT

 

My female equivalents:

They are basically the female equivalents of me. So cute! Asian Girls love their Technology. #QueensPlate #QP15 #HorseRacing A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jul 5, 2015 at 5:36pm PDT

 

Anita Clarke, Fashion Blogger for I Want I Got and Influencer – in my opinion, best-dressed!

Best-dressed. I love seeing girls looking smart and comfortable, not wobbly and squirmy in their heels. (cc: @geekigirl) #QP15 #HorseRacing #QueensPlate

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jul 5, 2015 at 5:31pm PDT

 

Metallic Man:

This. Taking my inspiration from him and incorporating some #metallic into my life. #QP15 #QueensPlate A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jul 5, 2015 at 5:15pm PDT

 

David Dunkley, official Queen’s Plate Milliner at The Social Tent:

With #DavidDunkley (@DavidDunkleyHat), the King of Fascinators and Hats in the @TheSocialCTV Tent at the #HatsandHorseshoesParty! #QueensPlate #QP15 #HorseRacing

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jul 5, 2015 at 5:14pm PDT

 

This ain’t the Run for the Roses, but…

This ain’t the Run for the Roses, but I am loving everything about this. #QueensPlate #QP15 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jul 5, 2015 at 4:20pm PDT

 

Michael Balaz of Sam-Son Farms and his Guest, Christina:

I love bold #QueensPlate fashion. On the right, @mikebalaz1 of Sam-Son Farm – the next generation of #HorseRacing. #QP15

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jul 5, 2015 at 4:06pm PDT

 

The Family of jockey Luis Contreras:

I love the Contreras Family. Always looking on-point. Life goals. #HorseRacing #LuisContreras #Jockey #QP15 #QueensPlate A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jul 5, 2015 at 5:17pm PDT

 

Conquest Stables’ Ernie Semersky, Dory Newell & Family… love these guys!

I adore these guys. The @ConquestStables Crew always make me feel like one of the Family! #QP15 #QueensPlate #HorseRacing

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jul 5, 2015 at 5:19pm PDT

 

How amazing is it that the Team Casse boys co-ordinated their outfits for Conquest Stables?

Love that the guys at Team #MarkCasse coordinated their clothes to match @conqueststables. Proud of #ConquestBoogaloo’s third-place finish after a troubled start. #QP15 #HorseRacing A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jul 5, 2015 at 4:08pm PDT

 

Woodbine‘s Stacey Boyd and the official Queen’s Plate Cocktail, the Blue Diamond:

My girl Stacey Boyd of @woodbineracing, with the #BlueDiamond, at the #HatsandHorseshoesParty. #QueensPlate #QP15 #Cocktail #HorseRacing

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jul 5, 2015 at 5:34pm PDT

 

Was two Blue Diamonds excessive?! No???

Are two #BlueDiamonds at once too many? Savouring the signature #QueensPlate Cocktail at the #HatsandHorseshoesParty. #QP15 #Cocktail #HorseRacing #DoubleFisting A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jul 5, 2015 at 5:25pm PDT

 

My darling Dawn Lupul, who did a bang-up job pickin’ the Winners and interviewing!

My darling @dawnlupul, who not only is a brilliant Handicapper, but did a fantastic job interviewing all stakes winners today at @woodbineracing. #DavidDunkley (@DavidDunkleyHat) custom-made her Fascinator. #QueensPlate #QP15 #HorseRacing A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jul 5, 2015 at 4:15pm PDT

 

Jockeys Alan Garcia (left) and Jesse Campbell (right) getting briefed by Trainer Reade Baker:

Trainer #ReadeBaker giving #AlanGarcia + #JesseCampbell a peptalk before winning the Highlander Stakes with #GoBlueorGoHome. Love the fluorescent silks of Jim & Susan Hill. #HorseRacing #QP15 #QueensPlate

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jul 5, 2015 at 4:18pm PDT

 

Showing the lone Queen’s Plate filly ACADEMIC some support.

With Woodbine Oaks Winner, #Academic. I always root for the filly. Thanks @reddogcw for this pic. #QueensPlate #QP15 #HorseRacing A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jul 5, 2015 at 4:32pm PDT

 

Emma-Jayne Wilson snapping a photo with EASY INDYGO‘s connections before the Queen’s Plate:

I love #EmmaJayneWilson (@EJWILSON81). She is the perfect Spokesperson for #HorseRacing. Here she was getting ready with #EasyIndygo’s connections before the #QueensPlate. #QP15

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jul 5, 2015 at 4:26pm PDT

 

Beautiful Champion STRUT THE COURSE victorious in the Dance Smartly Stakes!

Loved seeing champion #StruttheStage in the Winner’s Circle in the Dance Smartly Stakes. Girl ran her heart out and is a model of consistency. Love the colours on John Unger’s silks. #QP15 #QueensPlate #HorseRacing A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jul 5, 2015 at 5:09pm PDT

 

Promising two-year-old BELIVEAU under reigning Champion Patrick Husbands after winning the Clarendon Stakes:

Love seeing the super-fast #Beliveau in the Winner’s Circle after the Clarendon Stakes with #PatrickHusbands who rode like the champ he is today! Pink is his lucky colour for sure. He rode last year’s #QueensPlate winner #LexieLou (who will make her comeback this fall!) in pink silks. #QP15 #HorseRacing

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jul 5, 2015 at 5:04pm PDT

 

ALDOUS SNOW under jockey Eurico Rosa Da Silva winning the Singspiel Stakes:

#AldousSnow, who was named after #RussellBrand’s character in #GetHimToTheGreek, victorious in the Singspiel Stakes. We always joke at the barn how his father must be a black man because he has such a full, rich head of hair! #QP15 #QueensPlate #HorseRacing A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jul 5, 2015 at 4:24pm PDT

Loved seeing my girl and top Film Publicist Charlene Coy (right) & Friends at The Social Tent:

The #QueensPlate is one of those rare instances where my Film and #HorseRacing lives collide. So happy to see my girl Charlene (@charcoy1 on the right), Publicist Extraordinaire, at her first Woodbine visit in the @TheSocialCTV Tent. #QP15 #HorseRacing

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jul 5, 2015 at 5:22pm PDT

 

New Woodbine CEO Jim Lawson, who guided the Track to record numbers yesterday + Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell:

Still reminiscing yesterday’s #QueensPlate! Seen here, new @woodbineracing CEO Jim Lawson, who guided the Track to record numbers yesterday, and Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell. #QP15 #HorseRacing A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jul 6, 2015 at 4:13pm PDT

 

Top Mark Casse Exercise Rider and former jockey, Corey Fraser + me:

It literally took us three years to take this #Selfie! Like I don’t believe I met his wife Christy before him! Nice finally meeting top exercise rider and retired #jockey @coreyfraser finally! #QueensPlate #QP15 #HorseRacing

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jul 5, 2015 at 5:28pm PDT

 

Woodbine‘s John Siscos + Steve Lym sharing a laugh:

People think #HorseRacing is a serious sport, but legit there are a lot of laughs too! Seen here, John Siscos + Steve Lym of @woodbineracing. #QP15 #HorseRacing #QueensPlate

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jul 5, 2015 at 5:11pm PDT

 

Camera Crews gotta get that shot on-fleek!

Gotta get that shot. #QueensPlate #QP15 #HorseRacing A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jul 5, 2015 at 4:34pm PDT

 

The glamorous ladies of Chiefswood Stable:

 

Fascinators on-fleek! These ladies were with Team Chiefswood, who had #Portree in the #QueensPlate. #QP15

 

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jul 5, 2015 at 4:10pm PDT

 

Queen’s Plate-winning jockey Rafael Hernandez:

 

Your handsome #QueensPlate winning #jockey, #RafaelHernandez. #QP15 #HorseRacing

 

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jul 5, 2015 at 5:05pm PDT

 

Queen’s Plate-winning trainer Brian Lynch:

Introducing #QueensPlate winning Trainer of #ShamanGhost, the Aussie #BrianLynch. #QP15 #HorseRacing A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jul 5, 2015 at 4:12pm PDT

 

SHAMAN GHOST winning the 156th Queen’s Plate under a fist-pumping Rafael Hernandez:

 

#RafaelHernandez brining #ShamanGhost home in the #QueensPlate. #HorseRacing #QP15

 

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jul 5, 2015 at 5:39pm PDT

 

Frank Stronach leading SHAMAN GHOST into the Winner’s Circle:

So happy for the good people at #FrankStronach’s Stable on their #QueensPlate victory with #ShamanGhost. #QP15 #HorseRacing A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jul 5, 2015 at 5:41pm PDT

 

Expensive Confetti:

 

Privileged to get the best seats in the house at @woodbineracing. Don’t believe another #QueensPlate has come and gone so quickly. Seen here is #FrankStronach leading #ShamanGhost into the Winner’s Circle as #RafaelHernandez throws them flower petals into the air, from the Winner’s blanket. I love this Sport so much and it always will be a part of me. #QP15 #QueensPlate #HorseRacing

 

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jul 5, 2015 at 5:45pm PDT

 

Riding into the Sunset:

 

Until next year… #ShamanGhost #QueensPlate #QP15 #HorseRacing

 

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jul 5, 2015 at 5:47pm PDT

 

A special thanks to Acura Canada for letting me try their amazing TLX and Tytan Ties for custom-designing my Bowtie!

My #QueensPlate Look. Suit: Calvin Klein, Sunglasses: H&M, Hat: H&M, Shoes: Prada, Pin: @woodbineracing, Tie: @tytan_ties. Ride: Thank you @AcuraCanada for allowing me to try the elegant and sporty #TLX. Will let you guys in on it this week! #Acura #QP15 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jul 5, 2015 at 5:59pm PDT

 

Mr. Will + Shaman Ghost:

 

#ShamanGhost just made the #QueensPlate a whole lot more interesting with an upset in today’s Marine Stakes at @woodbineracing. #QP15 #Woodbine #Horse #HorseRacing #Racetrack #GetintheGame #FrankStronach #AdenaSprings #RafaelHernandez

 

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 16, 2015 at 3:39pm PDT

 

Mr. Will + Danish Dynaformer:

With the official favourite for tomorrow’s #QueensPlate, #DanishDynaformer… and his teddy bear! #QP15 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jul 4, 2015 at 11:36am PDT

 

Mr. Will + Conquest Boogaloo:

 

With #ConquestBoogaloo, not to be overlooked in tomorrow’s #QueensPlate. #QP15

 

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jul 4, 2015 at 11:31am PDT

 

Mr. Will + Conquest Curlinate:

With #ConquestCurlinate, who is recovering nicely from his sesamoid injury. Had a great appetite today. #QP15 #QueensPlate A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jul 4, 2015 at 11:33am PDT

Did you know that all it takes is a quick Selfie at Woodbine Racetrack at any point in their 2015 season to win $1k?  Simply use the Hashtag #OFFTOTHERACES on Social Media to qualify!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

This post was created in partnership with Woodbine Racetrack.