#HORSERACING: FIELD SET FOR 2026 KING’S PLATE

Twelve sophomores, including the filly Luster, will contest the $1 million King’s Plate, first leg of the Canadian Triple Crown, showcasing an outstanding stakes-filled Saturday card of racing at Woodbine.

The 167th edition of The King’s Plate, North America’s oldest continually run race, contested at 1 ¼ miles on the Woodbine main track, is the first event in the tri-surface series for Canadian-bred 3-year-olds.

Wando, bred and owned by the late Gustav Schickedanz, was the last horse to accomplish the feat, in 2003. The $500,000 Prince of Wales, run at 1 3/16 miles on the dirt at Fort Erie on Sept. 7, is the second leg. The $500,000 Breeders’ Stakes, at 1 ½ miles over the E.P. Taylor turf at Woodbine on Sept. 27, concludes the series. ​

The King’s Plate festivities, including the post-position draw – a “Pick your post” format – were co-hosted by Woodbine TV personality/commentator/handicapper Jeff Bratt and Ignite World Racing host Mark McKelvie, and held on the rooftop of the Woodbine paddock. The event was attended by many of the race’s connections and included remarks from Michael Copeland, CEO of Woodbine Entertainment.

This year’s running brings together an intriguing field that features accomplished stakes winners alongside determined longshots, with many of the sport’s leading owners, breeders, trainers, and jockeys represented. Luster and Dixie Law, the two fillies in the Plate, will carry 121 pounds under the race’s weight allowance, while all other starters are assigned 126 pounds.

Luster arrives at the Plate off a head-turning triumph in the 1 1/8-mile Woodbine Oaks on July 19, a 5 ½-length romp in a time of 1:50.99.

To be ridden again by John Velazquez, the daughter of Knicks Go out of The Factor mare Ruby Frost is 4-0-1 from five starts for owners Gainesway Stable (Antony Beck) and Andrew Rosen.

Bred by Mr. Ravi Sugrim and Ms. Joannie Dass, Luster won her first two starts, the first at Woodbine in 2025, before winning at Keeneland to launch her 3-year-old campaign and then finishing third in the Ruling Angel Stakes this May.

Trained by Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame inductee Josie Carroll, a three-time Plate winner, Luster heads into the “Gallop for the Guineas” off a pair of wins, the Selene Stakes (G3) and Woodbine Oaks.

“I thought she would run really well in it [Woodbine Oaks],” said Josie Carroll. “She’s a very, very athletic horse. She actually exceeded what I expected in that race. Looking at a horse like that, I thought she impressed in that race.”

Brandon Duchaine is the groom.

A son of Good Magic out of the Stormy Atlantic mare Pacific Dancer, Baaeed Alynna is one of two (Very Special is the other) Kevin Attard trainees in this year’s Plate.

The chestnut colt, 1-0-1 from three starts, will contest his third stakes event when he goes into the gate on Saturday. He was sixth in his most recent start, the Plate Trial, on July 19.

“I love the way he goes out and goes about his business,” said Attard, a three-time winner of the Plate, including last year with Mansetti. “Whatever you ask of him, he’s happy to oblige. He is a horse that has a lot of talent. He is lightly raced, but that said, he is showing us every sign that he can handle the Plate distance.” ​

Bred by Saintsbury Farms Inc., Baaeed Alynna is owned by Tagermeen Racing LLC.

Sahin Civaci gets the call.

Beresford Lee is the groom.

Bond Market, fresh off a debut win, is trained by Carlos Grant.

The chestnut gelding lit up the tote board at 45-1 in his 1 ½-length score over 1 mile of Woodbine inner turf on July 5.

A son of Bond Street (IRE) out of the Pulpit mare Champagne Dynasty, Bond Market is bred and owned by Brian O’Leary (Polo Management Services).

“His biggest strength is getting on the track, he loves to be on the track,” said Grant. “From the time he gets on the track, his biggest strength, he loves to do his job, he loves to work, he just loves to get out of the stall and get on the track. He is a competitor and he loves the competition as you can see in his first race.”

Bond Market will be ridden by Xarel Forde, who was aboard for the milestone victory.

Damien Kellman is the groom.

Trained by Julia Carey, Manitoba-bred Brachetto (a red Italian wine grape variety grown predominantly in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy) stamped himself as a top Plate contender after a sharp win in the Marine Stakes (G3) on June 27.

Having reached the podium in all five career starts (2-1-2), the bay colt debuted with a third, then followed it up with a second. His maiden-breaking moment came in his 3-year-old debut when he won a 6-furlong main track race by three-quarters of a length on May 10.

Bred by Dr. Ross McKague, who co-owns with his wife Brenda, Brachetto, should he win on Saturday, would be the first Manitoba-bred to win the Plate.

“Everything is on schedule,” said Carey. “He’s acting well, eating well, and travelling well. He loves to train. I can’t seem to do enough work with him. He’s not a real big, tall horse, but he’s a very well-built horse.”

Ryan Munger will once again ride the son of Vekoma out of the Include mare Colorino.

Gary Sutherland is the groom.

Trained by Dale Desruisseaux (who also sends out Highwaytothemoon) for owner/breeder Garland Willliamson, graded stakes winner Dixie Law is 4-1-1 from eight career starts.

A daughter of Tiz the Law out of the Union Rags mare Bit of Dixie, the bay filly won last year’s Cup & Saucer Stakes and Mazarine Stakes (G3). This year, she took the Ruling Angel and was second in the Woodbine Oaks.

“After the campaign she had last year, we thought she was a good horse, and that, hopefully, she would progress over the winter into her 3-year-old year,” said Desruisseaux. “Based on her first couple of races this year, we think she deserves a chance.”

The 2025 Sovereign Award finalist in the Champion Two-Year-Old Filly category will have the services of Pietro Moran, who rode Mansetti to Plate glory last year. ​

Kyle MacDonald is the groom.

Don Ique, trained by Josie Carroll for owner Mike Cooke, has crafted a 2-0-1 mark from seven starts.

Bred by Jeffrey Yingling, the son of Astern (AUS) out of the Cacique (IRE) mare Iquique (FR) rhymed off two straight wins, one to close out his 2-year-old campaign and the curtain-raiser on his 3-year-old season. The roan colt was a rallying fifth in the Plate Trial on July 19.

“I really had thought we were off the King’s Plate trail with him, but he ran such a nice race there [Plate Trial], he galloped out so strongly that I felt that he deserved to run in the Plate,” said Carroll.

Emma-Jayne Wilson, winner of the 2007 Plate with Mike Fox, will be in the irons.

Mario Williams is the groom.

The field’s most experienced runner, Fire and Wine, 2-0-3 from 10 starts, was the upset winner of last year’s Coronation Futurity Stakes.

Trained by Zeljko Krcmar and owned by Paul Ryder, the son of Lexitonian out of The Factor mare Double Latte broke his maiden in the penultimate start of his rookie season, one race before his 16-1 Coronation Futurity victory.

Bred by James and Janeane Everatt, Arika Meeuse and Robert Marzilli, Fire and Wine will contest his fifth straight stakes engagement.

“He’s going to be in top shape for the Plate,” said Krcmar. “I believe he is in the top shape of his life. He’s good. He’s sound. He’s healthy. He likes to run. He’s brave on the front.”

Jalon Samuel gets the call.

Tafari Chang is the groom.

Trained by Dale Desruisseaux for Niagara Farms (Centennial) Inc., Highwaytothemoon has missed the top three just once in his career (4-1-1 from seven starts).

Bred by James Everatt, Janeane Everatt and Arika Everatt-Meeuse, the son of Ransom the Moon out of the Society’s Chairman mare High Society Gal has won back-to-back stakes, the Queenston and Plate Trial, ahead of the Plate. ​

“He didn’t try to do anything more than we wanted him to,” said Desruisseaux. “In hindsight, that’s probably one of his better attributes where I think he’ll get the extra distance just on that quality alone.”

The bay gelding won his debut last August and finished third in the Simcoe Stakes next time out.

To be ridden by Rafael Hernandez, who has three Plate trophies, Highwaytothemoon will make his sixth stakes start on Saturday.

Robert Martin is the groom.

Trained by Harold Ladouceur, who co-owns with his wife Jessie through their Oh Em Gee Stable, along with Ad Noir, LLC, multiple stakes placed Imyourmedicineman heads into the Plate off a strong runner-up performance in the Plate Trial.

Out of the Silent Name (JPN) mare Silent Sparkle, the bay gelding, 1-2-1 from seven starts, was third in last year’s Coronation Futurity and second in the Plate Trial on July 19.

The son of 2015 Plate winner and multiple graded stakes victor Shaman Ghost broke his maiden in his second start, taking a 1 mile and 70-yard main track maiden optional claimer by 2 ¾ lengths.

“He didn’t run that well his last two starts before the Plate Trial,” noted Harold Ladouceur. “We had to figure things out, get him back, eating the way we wanted, and put proper weight on him. His training was good all along. I think the style that he raced those races wasn’t really what he wanted. He was near the lead, and when it came time to go, he just put his head up and did not want to run. I think he needs to sort of cover it up and take a little bit of a hold, and then let him run, even though he’s sharp out of the gate.”

Imyourmedicineman was bred by John Hyka.

Luis Contreras, who won the 2011 Plate with Inglorious and the 2017 running with Holy Helena, gets the mount.

Jessie Ladouceur is the groom.

Magical Factor, bred and owned by Chiefswood Stables (who won the 2004 Plate with Niigon), heads into the biggest race of his career to date off a second in the Marine Stakes (G3) on June 27.

Under the tutelage of trainer Rachel Halden, the son of multiple graded stakes winner The Factor out of the Malibu Moon mare Think Magic has fashioned a record of 1-2-0 from five starts.

To be ridden by Jose Campos, the bay gelding has finished second in his past two outings after breaking his maiden in a 1 1/16-mile turf race at Keeneland on Apr. 11.

“His races have improved as the year has gone along,” said Halden. “He’s a very good-looking horse; he’s a striking horse. Anybody that sees him for the first time, that is what they’re going to notice.”

Regulo Perez is the groom.

Owned by Gary Barber and St. Elias Stable (Vincent Viola), and trained by Mark Casse, Military Time comes into his fifth stakes affair off a rallying third in the Plate Trial Stakes.

Bred by Adena Springs, the son of Gun Runner out of the Signature Red multiple stakes-winning mare Red Cabernet is 2-2-1 from six starts.

He won at first asking on Aug. 31, 2025, was fifth next time out in the Cup & Saucer Stakes, and second in the Coronation Futurity to complete his 2-year-old campaign.

“The [Plate] distance will probably be an asset to [Military Time] but he’s still not focusing,” said Casse, who has three Plate wins, in 2014 with Lexie Lou, in 2018 with Wonder Gadot and in 2024 with Paramount Prince. “So, we need him just to focus more, but also, like I said, I think more ground will help him.”

Fraser Aebly will be in the irons on Saturday.

Ivan Forde is the groom.

Very Special, trained by Kevin Attard, will look to break his maiden in the Plate.

Sporting a 0-1-2 mark from three starts, the son of Ghostzapper out of the unraced Into Mischief mare Crowning Jewel will make his stakes debut in the $1 million classic.

Bred and owned by Stronach Stables, the bay colt was third in his previous outing, a race in which he hopped at the start and was slammed by an outside rival soon after.

“He rallied well in his first race, fought back to finish second in his next start, and had a less-than-ideal beginning in his most recent performance,” said Attard, who will add blinkers for the Plate. “Obviously, you would like to see a win beside his name, but if he decides to do it in the Plate, we have no problem with that.”

Romero Ramsay Maragh will be aboard.

Mervin Daniel is the groom.

Saturday’s card also features a quintet of stakes: the $200,000 bet365 King Edward (G2T), at 1 mile on the E.P. Taylor turf for 3-year-olds and up; the $200,000 Canadian Stakes Presented by The Japan Racing Association (G2T), at 1 1/16 miles on the inner turf for fillies & mares 3-year-olds and up; $175,000 Bold Venture Stakes (G3), at 6 ½ furlongs on the main track for 3-year-olds and up; $150,000 bet365 Soaring Free, at 6 ½ furlongs on the E.P. Taylor turf for 2-year-olds; and the $150,000 Catch A Glimpse, at 6 ½ furlongs on the E.P. Taylor turf for 2-year-old fillies.

First post for Saturday is 12:30 p.m. (ET). The national Plate broadcast will be televised on Citytv starting at 4:30 p.m. ET. ​ ​

Biographies for each King’s Plate contender can be found here: woodbine.com/blog/167th-kings-plate-media-guide-2/

For the latest information, fans can follow @WoodbineTB on both X and Instagram, as well as @WoodbineComms on X. ​ ​

Field for the $1 million King’s Plate

Post – Horse – Trainer – Jockey – Morning Line Odds

1 – Luster – Josie Carroll – John Velazquez – 1-1

2 – Fire and Wine – Zeljko Krcmar – Jalon Samuel – 30-1 ​

3 – Baaeed Alynna – Kevin Attard – Sahin Civaci – 30-1 ​

4 – Imyourmedicineman – Harold Ladouceur – Luis Contreras – 20-1

5 – Dixie Law – Dale Desruisseaux – Pietro Moran – 10-1

6 – Don Ique – Josie Carroll – Emma-Jayne Wilson – 30-1 ​

7 – Magical Factor – Rachel Halden – Jose Campos – 10-1 ​

8 – Highwaytothemoon – Dale Desruisseaux – Rafael Hernandez – 6-1 ​

9 – Brachetto – Julia Carey – Ryan Munger – 5-1 ​

10 – Very Special – Kevin Attard – Romero Ramsay Maragh – 30-1 ​

11 – Bond Market – Carlos Grant – Xarel Forde – 30-1

12 – Military Time – Mark Casse – Fraser Aebly – 12-1 ​

#HORSERACING: 167th RUNNING OF KING’S PLATE WILL TAKE PLACE AUGUST 16, 2026

Woodbine Entertainment today announced that the 167th running of The King’s Plate will take place on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Woodbine Racetrack.

Steeped in royal history, The King’s Plate is Canada’s most prestigious horse race and the first leg of the Canadian Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. The iconic Plate is North America’s oldest continuously race stakes race and is contested for a purse of $1 million.

Known as one of Toronto’s can’t-miss summer events, The King’s Plate celebrates world class horse racing, fashion, food, entertainment and more, all on one memorable day at Woodbine Racetrack.

Tickets for The King’s Plate will go on sale on Friday, March 6.

More event information including ticket types will be available at KingsPlate.com the week tickets go on sale. ​

For the latest news and updates on everything Woodbine, visit Woodbine.com or follow @WoodbineTB on X, Instagram and Facebook.

#HORSERACING: MANSETTI DELIVERS IN THE 166TH RUNNING OF THE KING’S PLATE

It was a smashing day of racing at Woodbine Racetrack this past Saturday as North America’s most historic race, the 166th running of the King’s Plate took place, drawing a full house that witnessed MANSETTI upset the $1 million race in thrilling near wire-to-wire fashion.

What makes it even more impressive is that 20-year-old apprentice jockey Pietro Moran guided the victory for son and father duo Al & Bill Ulwelling, and Team Kevin Attard, who also won last year’s edition with filly CAITLINHERGRTNESS. Attard achieved a rare three-peat, winning three stakes on the card. It is reported that the senior Ulwelling had suffered a mild heart attack watching the race, but is now reported to be doing well. Moran, also was competing in the race with his father David, who rode eighth-place finisher WILLIAM T. It is said that this is historic first for a father and son both to be riding in the race.

Named after a Minnesota pizza shop, MANSETTI delivered for his backers with $38.70 on a $2 wager, keeping a fast-closing TOM’S MAGIC in second, with post-time favourite NOTORIOUS GANGSTER racing third. The score boosts the winner’s lifetime earnings to $689,872 in eight starts. The first runner-up is being pointed to the final jewel in the Canadian Triple Crown, the Breeders’ Stakes on September 28, 2025 at Woodbine.

$17,004,451 was bet on the card, an impressive number for the extended 13-race card which featured a whopping six stake races.

Other highlights include:

SHE FEELS PRETTY winning one of the meet’s marquee races, the Grade I E.P. Taylor, making her a perfect two-for-two at Woodbine, taking the Grade I Natalma here as a two-year-old for Lael Stables and top trainer Cherie DeVaux. John Velazquez re-teamed with her for the win, which earns her a spot in this Fall’s Breeders’ Cup. The remarkable Karakontie filly now has banked over $2.2 million.

GAS ME UP was full of fuel in the Grade II King Edward for Team Kevin Attard driving up to win under Flavien Prat for owners Ex-line Border Racing, Jawl, Kennedy & Ziesler. The five-year-old son of Hard Spun is proof of iconic Sam-Son Farm‘s lasting quality in breeding.

SIMCOE dominated the Grade III Bold Venture, one of two stakes scores that day for Rafael Hernandez, riding for Chiefswood Stable and Team Katerina Vassilieva. This marks the Uncle Mo gelding’s first stakes win.

TWO OUT HERO confirms the promise showed in his impressive debut, taking the Soaring Free for Gold Square LLC and Team Kevin Attard with Hernandez up. This was his groom Elaine’s first stakes winner ever. The War Front colt is being pointed to the Grade I Summer Stakes next month, a Breeders’ Cup Win-and-You’re-In race.

CORSIA VELOCE is a perfect two-for-two, like Two Out Hero after a win in the Catch a Glimpse Stakes for
Glenn Sikura (Hill ‘n’ Dale Farm) and Mario Serrani. Fraser Aebly was aboard the filly for the win, and she is conditioned by Team Josie Carroll. The promising Practical Joke filly looks Natalma Stakes-bound next month.

Photos on this X thread.

Video highlights, including beautiful sights and sounds of the day:

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There were so many amazing activations on the day, including an installation by Coolab at the Hats & Horseshoes Party for DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRANDE FINALE, in theatres September 12, 2025 via Focus Features and Universal Pictures Canada! Invited guests enjoyed a lavender-licious Downton Martini inside the Paddock Party!

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… and for everyone asking, beanie and I both were styled by SHEIN. Was stopped several times throughout the day about this!

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Also, don’t forget to check-out our appearance on America’s Best Racing Live! (36-minute mark):

Did you also see who was in attendance?

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The second jewel of the Canadian Triple Crown, the Prince of Wales Stakes, runs at Fort Erie on September 4, 2025.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#HORSERACING: CAITLINHERGRTNESS SPRINGS UPSET IN 165TH RUNNING OF THE KING’S PLATE

In a mild upset, CAITLINHERGRTNESS surged past heavy favourite MY BOY PRINCE late to take the 165th running of the $1 million King’s Plate, the race formerly known as the Queen’s Plate. The lone filly in the race was coming into the race off an improving second in July’s Woodbine Oaks against female company. She becomes the 39th filly to win either the King or Queen’s Plate. This proves that you can’t have a King’s Plate without a Queen!

She was a late addition to the race for owners Siena Farm and Winstar Farm, made eligible via the payment of a supplement fee. Ridden by Rafael Hernandez, who guided her Kevin Attard stablemate MOIRA to victory in the same race back in 2022, CAITLINHERGRTNESS certainly is living-up to her name.

The 3/4 length victory was clocked at 2:03.4 for the 1 1/4 mile distance, with MY BOY PRINCE finishing second, and his Mark Casse stablemate MIDNIGHT MASCOT taking third. A $2 bet on her to win rewarded backers with $20.70.

The King’s Plate was the highlight of Friday’s race card at Woodbine Racetrack, an unusual move to place the season’s marquee race on a weekday. The race was to take place Saturday, August 17, 2024, only to be postponed after a torrential downpour which made track conditions unsafe to run what is known as North America’s most historic race.

Other major winners of the day included:

FILO DI ARIANNA taking the Grade II King Edward under Sahin Civaci for Wachtel Stable, Peter Deutsch and Gary Barber. The talented eight-year-old gelding won the same race back in 2022, continuing to show amazing consistency and resilience for trainer Mark Casse. He is being pointed towards September’s Grade I Woodbine Mile next.

PATCHES O’HOULIAN winning the Bold Venture Stakes a second time. The reigning champion sprinter was late to start his 2024 campaign but has been flawless thus far, doubling-up following a win in the Pink Lloyd Stakes (a race named a horse owned and trained by his connections) late July under Sofia Vives, for owner Frank D. Di Giulio, Jr. and trainer Bob Tiller.

SHIFTY broke her maiden in style on her second try, winning under Sahin Civaci for trainer Mark Casse and owner DJ Stable. The race is seen as a stepping stone to September’s Grade I fixture, the Natalma Stakes.

CAIRO CAPER scoring in the Soaring Free Stakes under Jose Luis Campos. He is trained by Nathan Squires and owned by William B. Thompson. He very much echoes CAIRO CONSORT, champion two-year-old filly of 2022 (also by stallion Cairo Prince), while owned and trained by the same connections as she. He is being pointed to the Grade I Summer Stakes next month.

Some Videos highlighting the King’s Plate ’24:

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The second leg of the Canadian Triple Crown takes place September 10, 2024 at Fort Erie Racetrack.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#HORSERACING: NOMINEES FOR 2024 KING’S PLATE AND WOODBINE OAKS – JUNE 2024

Woodbine today released the latest nomination numbers for The King’s Plate and Woodbine Oaks presented by Stella Artois. We are one step closer to North America’s most historic horse race and Canada’s premier race for three-year-old fillies.

Following the original subscriptions in April, the connections of nominated horses were required to submit an additional payment by June 5, 2024, to remain eligible to either race.

The 165^th King’s Plate, to be contested on Saturday, August 17, had 52 Canadian bred three-year-olds remain eligible, plus one supplement, to bring the total number of nominees to 53.

The Woodbine Oaks, to be run on Saturday, July 20, has 34 Canadian bred three-year-old fillies nominated, plus one supplement, for a total of 35.

To view the full list of King’s Plate nominees, click here.

To view the full list of Woodbine Oaks nominees, click here.

For the latest news and information, visit Woodbine.com or follow @WoodbineTB and @WoodbineComms on X.

#HORSERACING: MOIRA TAKES THE 2022 QUEEN’S PLATE

It was one for the records as MOIRA took the 163rd edition of North America’s most historic Horse Race, the Queen’s Plate! The race worth $1 million, was contested at 1 1/4 miles yesterday at Woodbine Racetrack and not only did she as the lone filly beat the boys by a commanding seven lengths, she also smashed the track record for the distance, stopping the clock in an expedient 2:01.4 minutes.

The daughter of Ghostzapper bred by Frank Stronach‘s Adena Springs, notched Trainer Kevin Attard and Jockey Rafael Hernandez their first ever Queen’s Plate winner, rewarding bettors who backed her betting her down to 9-5 odds as the race favourite. Moira is owned by a partnership of Madaket Stables LLC, X-Men Racing and SF Racing LLC, purchased for an investment in 2020 for $150k and has now earned $902k in just five starts. It is said that her connections have their sights set potentially on the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland this November which might mean we won’t be seeing her in the upcoming two legs of the Canadian Triple Crown.

Finishing second in the Queen’s Plate was Hall of Dreams under Patrick Husbands, and third was Sir for Sure, ridden by Declan Carroll. Both horses are trained by Woodbine‘s leading Trainer Mark Casse, who had a strong showing on the Card with wins in both the King Edward and Canadian Stakes on the turf. Casse who is based out of the U.S., made an appearance for the day.

Lorne Richards Trainee HAZELBROOK continues to have a career season winning her second-straight Stake Race in a row in the Sweet Briar Too under Jason Hoyte, who notched his second stake victory at Woodbine with her. She is a perfect three-for-three in 2022.

Wagering handle was a healthy $13.6 million on this first Queen’s Plate since 2019 to allow fans to attend at full capacity.

The Queen’s Plate is synonymous with party and fashion and that it was with activations and tents for attendees to get their Photo Ops, including a Step-and-Repeat which gave them a chance to show-off their outfits.

Some amazing style and faces of the day:

Check-out our Reel of Highlights!

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The Prince of Wales Stakes is the next jewel of the Canadian Triple Crown and it will take place September 13, 2022 in Fort Erie.

A full Facebook Album of my Queen’s Plate Snaps right here!

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#HORSERACING: SAFE CONDUCT TAKES THE 2021 QUEEN’S PLATE

The 162th edition of North America’s most historic race, the Queen’s Plate, took place at Woodbine Racetrack yesterday. Fans being able to return back to the grandstand was something to cheer about. Even at 50% capacity at which tickets were sold-out with safety guidelines in place, the energy was electric still with reduced fanfare like activations, concerts and pop-ups.

The $1-million race was taken by SAFE CONDUCT, a New York-based son of Bodemeister who held-on gamely to the wire under U.S. jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., to win by a head. The 1 1/4 mile affair was run in a quick 2:02.8, the Phillip Serpe trainee owned by WellSpring Stable paying $8.00 to win on a $2.00 bet as the race favourite. Mitchell Kursner bred the colt and was present for the festivities with his family.

Prior to the race, the Jockey Class of ’21 posed together for a group shot!

The class of ’21! #QueensPlate #QP21 pic.twitter.com/e6ABDMBvOW

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) August 22, 2021

Bettors wagered a whopping $16.1 million on the Queen’s Plate Sunday card, up from last year’s $14.5 million. The boost in popularity Woodbine has seen amidst the pandemic has continued with a spiked interest from U.S bettors who turned to the Toronto oval, while other tracks had closed.

In addition to action-packed racing, some notable names visited yesterday including Canada’s most decorated Olympian of all time, Penny Oleksiak, a vision in pink. Canadian Music Hall of Fame and Walk of Fame inductee Jim Cuddy graced us with his presence, performing with his Trio on the track apron, while Universal Music Canada emerging artist Ryland James performed the national anthem. Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Elisabeth Dowdeswell arrived at the event by carriage, in a manner fit for the queen that she is!

So amazing Oleksiak shared our Snaps with her followers as well, a class act!

Canada’s most decorated Olympian of all time, Penny Oleksiak, at the #QueensPlate. #QP21 pic.twitter.com/tA4wogdRNT

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) August 22, 2021

Several enticing stakes races lined the race card as well, giving the betting public some exciting options to wager.

The $350k Grade I Highlander would go to Stronach Stables’ SILENT POET. The hard-knocking six-year-old notched the biggest score of his career under regular pilot Justin Stein. Frank Stronach and his team at Adena Springs North also were present for celebrations. Trainer Nick Gonzalez received several congratulations from other horses’ connections, and he gestured to the sky in thanks at his late wife Martha who had passed last year.

The $175k Grade II Dance Smartly Stakes was taken by Christophe Clement trainee MUTAMAKINA, under jockey Dylan Davis. The formerly French-based mare by top sire Nathaniel, has found success in North America by way of the New York circuit.

The $150k Grade III Ontario Colleen Stakes took place earlier on the card with OUR FLASH DRIVE making it a perfect three-for-three in 2021 for Team Mark Casse and Live Oak Plantation. Patrick Husbands was aboard the score.

Was very excited seeing 79-1 shot MAMBOINTHEFOREST take his leg of the Turf Endurance Series under Sahin Civaci for Trainer Ron Sadler and Owner Phillip Lanning. You might recall this is the horse whom won me my Sovereign Award earlier this year for Outstanding Photograph! He won for me and that’s my story! Still waiting for the chance to visit him on the backstretch one day to give him some mints!

An awesome tidbit is that Stronach Stables’ RIPTIDE ROCK ran a hard-fought second in the Queen’s Plate. I remember joking when I took this Selfie with him and his mom Irish Influence – just a couple days old – that he’d one day be a Queen’s Plate winner… and we never would’ve guessed he’d almost do it!

I remember kidding with @AdenaSprings that I was taking a pic with a future #QueensPlate winner, but who’d have known he would almost get it done? #QP21 runner-up Riptide Rock, a valiant second, as a days-old baby. pic.twitter.com/kJTXC6oWJN

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) August 23, 2021

Woodbine‘s next marquee card Woodbine Mile Day, takes place Saturday, September 18, 2021.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#HORSERACING: “MIGHTY HEART” TAKES THE 161st EDITION OF THE QUEEN’S PLATE

The 161st edition of the Queen’s Plate was run at Woodbine Racetrack yesterday, headlining a stakes-filled card of racing. While the public was not permitted to attend this year, owners and connections were allowed to be present with safety guidelines in-place including mandatory temperature check, face coverings and social distancing measures.

Even without fans in attendance, betting totaled $14.5 million, a very impressive number helped by American fans hungry for the sport amidst this Pandemic. They continue to turn to Woodbine‘s quality product for entertainment.

The marquee race saw top Canadian-bred three-year-old horses facing-off at a distance of 1 1/4 miles for a purse of $1 million, drawing a field of 14 competitors. Winning the race was one-eyed colt MIGHTY HEART under Jockey Daisuke Fukumoto for Trainer Josie Caroll and Owner and Breeder Larry Cordes. While the grandstand has largely been quiet of late with restricted visitor access, cheers were loud for the son of Dramedy, who overcame his physical limitation to run the second-fastest edition of the Queen’s Plate ever at 2:01.98 leading all the way. No cheers were louder though than those of his handlers Siobhan Brown and Renee Dockstader who were overjoyed at the win. It has been a phenomenal year for 23-year-old Japanese import Fukumoto who just earlier this year won his first stake race on another Carroll trainee, Court Return after arriving at Woodbine in 2016. Carroll last won the Queen’s Plate in 2011 with filly Inglorious.

While he still has yet to win a race, NK Racing and LNJ Foxwoods’ BELICHICK ran a stellar second at 26-1 odds under Slade Callaghan, giving Carroll a 1-2 finish in the prestigious race.

CLAYTON, who was the morning line favourite for the race, ran third under Rafael Hernandez and Trainer Kevin Attard. He went off as the second choice at 3-1 odds.

The $250k Bison City Stakes for three-year-old Canadian-bred fillies born in Canada, known also as the second leg of Canada’s Triple Tiara, was taken by American-based MIZZEN BEAU under Jockey Steven Bahen. The daughter of Mizzen Mast is owned by Daniel Investment Holdings and trained by Norm Casse and has been spending much time at Woodbine the past bit gearing-up for this Summer campaign with the help of his father Mark Casse‘s Toronto team. She prior had finished fourth in August’s Woodbine Oaks.

Sam-Son Farm‘s RIDEFORTHECAUSE sprung an upset at 22-1 odds in the $250k Canadian Stakes for fillies and mares at 1 1/8 miles on the turf. David Moran piloted the win which saw her make a big sweeping move at the top of the stretch after exhibiting some nerves in the pre-race. The Gail Cox Trainee is a daughter of Candy Ride and came off another win early August at Woodbine.

Talented Chad Brown Trainee CAMBIER PARC shipped-up for the race and ran a credible second in the Canadian Stakes.

The Ruling Angel Stakes, named in honour of another great Sam-Son Farm filly, was taken by ARTIE’S PRINCESS whom while based in the U.S. under the care of Trainer Wesley Ward, has capitalized off her Canadian breeding running in restricted races, finding success at Woodbine. Finally, she notched her first stakes score in the race under Justin Stein.

Justin Stein also took the King Corrie Stakes earlier on the card aboard Cathal Lynch-owned and trained FRANCATELLI, continuing his red-hot riding streak of late, taking three races on the card.

Leo Salles also took three wins on the card earlier in the day.

While largely quiet this year, some sights from the day including a visit from Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Elizabeth Dowdswell and a visit from retired top Jockey, Eurico Rosa Da Silva.

Special thanks to David Dunkley, official Millner of the Queen’s Plate for sending me this elegant mask he designed!

Another stakes-filled weekend of racing takes place next weekend at Woodbine with the Grade I $1 million Woodbine Mile, plus also the Grade I Natalma and Summer Stakes!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#HORSERACING: PRINCESS x PRINCE DIAIRES – APRIL 2020

2020 has been awful challenging. Believe me, our hearts are with the Horse Racing community right now with racing cancelled or postponed both sides of the border, with a select few racetracks continuing operations with access restricted to the public. With the 2020 season postponed indefinitely at Woodbine Racetrack, we are glad that safety of the community is being placed first on the backstretch. At the same time, we worry for our friends whose livelihoods depended on that initial April 18, 2020 start date and also the concerned owners who have to wait even longer for a return on investment from their stock. We know for certain this period of isolation amidst COVID-19 worries, will continue into the Summer and our racing season’s marquee event the Queen’s Plate, accordingly has followed suit in its postponement.

Despite all this, we have our health and safety to treasure and I wouldn’t choose to be anywhere else than Canada where at a provincial and federal level, the situation has been handled in an exemplary manner.  The 2020 racing season will commence at some point and those fruits of labour also will come. Sending all my support and encouragement that while times are harrowing and tough right now, we are all in this for the long haul and we are not alone in our losses. While setbacks are temporary, resilience will prevail in the end. Let’s not obsess about things that weigh-down our spirits, but instead do all we can do to help us all get back to business as soon and safe as possible. Know at the end of the day those fans will be there to cheer the community on at the end of the tunnel when time allows.

That being said, we were so excited to see Mr Will return to training last month after nursing a minor injury over the winter. The time away looks to be paying off. His Owner/Trainer Michelle Love reports to us after outfinishing his workmate under exercise rider Nikki Alderson, “Our boy came out of his workout better then ever!! He thinks he’s a racehorse now. All business.”.  That brings me joy and he just returned home again for some rest with the delayed start of the racing season. His much anticipated debut will come before we know it and we know it will be so worth it!

 

 

Some Snaps of Mr Will‘s first jog on Woodbine‘s Training Track under Love, accompanied by his Dad, Rob Love, Woodbine’s Head Outrider. It was awful quiet that morning, being frigid out, but he was super-professional!

 

View this post on Instagram

I'm back!

A post shared by MrWillTheHorse (@mrwillthehorse) on Mar 1, 2020 at 6:40am PST

Mr Will also was paired again with Jayne Smith, who always gives him that extra bit of loving care.

 

…and of course a new Snuggle Buddy for our little champ! He loves his plushies.

 

Did I tell you how Mr Will and Princess (A Pic by Mrwill) finally met? I was overjoyed seeing them together at last! Mr Will and some of the babies from Love’s stable were brought to the facility where Princess is boarded for some schooling earlier this year. They hit it off just great!

 

Princess continues to thrive in her life of retirement. Her Mom Emily Fisher (second photo, above) has done a fantastic job nursing her back to wellness and socializing her with her new family. Princess always has been a special filly, perhaps getting along better with humans than horses. You might recall she almost lost her life as a baby, getting nursed back to health by caretakers and of course our constant pampering made her lose sight of who she really is. She’s adjusted beautifully, enjoying her time outdoors in the company of her family.

Some recent Snaps:
 

 

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Social situations sometimes give me anxiety, but I am making big steps at putting myself out there. Thanks Mom and gang for helping me ease in.

A post shared by Princess 🍎 (@apicbymrwill) on Mar 8, 2020 at 2:23pm PDT

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Happy. Everyone stay safe. Protect your loved ones by sanitizing and avoiding unnecessary travel. ♥️

A post shared by Princess 🍎 (@apicbymrwill) on Mar 15, 2020 at 6:20am PDT

 

 

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Good night, Chico 😘🐈

A post shared by Princess 🍎 (@apicbymrwill) on Mar 7, 2020 at 7:04pm PST

 
We can’t wait till isolation is over so we can go visit Mr Will and Princess! 

Everyone, stay well, stay safe and keep our focus on the common goal for all of us – to be well and thrive! 

(Photo credit: Emily Fisher/Michelle Love/Mr. Will Wong)

#HORSERACING: “ONE BAD BOY” ON HIS BEST BEHAVIOUR IN THE 2019 QUEEN’S PLATE

The 160th edition of the Queen’s Plate took place at Woodbine Racetrack this Canada Day weekend!  The two-day festival of horse racing, fashion, music, food and drink, culminated in North America’s most historic race on Festival Saturday. The race at ten one and a quarter miles, is restricted for three-year-old horses foaled in Canada and valued at a purse of $1 million. Taking the glory was none other than California-based ONE BAD BOY. The strapping dark brown son of Twirling Candy took it wire-to-wire by 3 and 1/2 lengths over Avie’s Flatter and then Tone Broke under Flavien Prat, defeating a field of 13 in 2:02.9 minutes before a packed grandstand. Prat won the Kentucky Derby this May via disqualification aboard Country House. One Bad Boy colt is owned by a partnership of Say Jay Racing, Brooke Hubbard and Greg Hall. He was bred by Ontario’s Ron Clarkson and was sold at the 2017 Keeneland September Sale. It has just been confirmed that he will contest the second leg of the Canadian Triple Crown, the Prince of Wales Stakes July 23, 2019 at Fort Erie.

 

One Bad Boy

 

Watch the race here: 

 

The two-day Festival featured a star-studded lineup of racing with six other stakes races contested including the Lady Angela, Charlie Barley, Zadracarta, King Edward, Dance Smartly and Highlander Stakes.

 

Holy Helena – Dance Smartly Stakes, the 2017 Queen’s Plate victress shows she’s still got it! Her owner, icon Frank Stronach was in attendance.

 

Synchrony – King Edward Stakes, the American invader is owned by Josephine Abercrombie‘s Pin Oak Stable and she too graced us with an appearance.

 

Wet Your Whistle – Highlander Stakes, the off-the-pace sprinter went last-to-first for American-based trainer Michael Trombetta, who has found stakes success locally this season.

 

The Black Album (FR) – Charlie Barley Stakes, this French-bred colt ridden by Flavien Prat, is owned by Team Valor and Hollywood Mega-Producer Gary Barber, and regained the winning form he showed in France last year.

 

Desert Isle – Zadracarta Stakes, this Graham Motion-trained filly is owned by iconic Canadian outfit, Sam-Son Farms

 

Ciuri – Lady Angela Stakes, this Bob Tiller trainee owned by the same connections as Woodbine legend Pink Lloyd, was one of two stakes winners at Woodbine this weekend by red-hot sire Souper Speedy.

 

Also taking place at Woodbine this weekend was the unveiling of the new Inner Turf course. I recall Woodbine having had a Marshall Turf Course as a child, however this new, improved and re-branded course gives fans something new to cheer about and a new angle to wager on.

 

The Queen’s Plate is rooted in tradition and pageantry. Lovely seeing Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Elizabeth Dowdeswell with us once again, a vision of royalty.

 

We wished we had more of a chance to enjoy the Hats & Horseshoes Party and witness some of the Fashion, but our focus always has been the amazing racing on Queen’s Plate Festival weekend and we simply had to choose with six stake races on one card. We did spot these amazing looks including a Pretty Woman homage and David Dunkley owning the fascinator and hat game!

 

JUNO winners THE WASHBOARD UNION headlined the Queen’s Plate Festival, playing Festival Friday. The Trio treated fans to a surprise bringing on-stage fellow JUNO winner, BRETT KISSEL! Check-out a Clip of them performing their new single, “She Gets Me” below.

 

“She Gets Me”

 

And for your favourite part of our coverage of course, our world-famous Selfies!

 

One Bad Boy and his winning connections, including Co-Owners Brooke Hubbard and Greg Hall

 

The Washboard Union and Brett Kissel

 

Kaitlyn Leeb, star of upcoming Netflix Figure Staking series SPINNING OUT

 

Fort Erie‘s Ashley Mailloux joined us this weekend, contributing to HRRN‘s Queen’s Plate coverage

 

Beauty Queen and TVG personality Megan Devine also gave us a real treat with her visit. Amazing seeing America’s Best Racing‘s Dan Tordjman and Boston’s Woodbine fan extraordinaire, Sean Patrick Nolan back too!

 

With Woodbine CEO Jim Lawson on the lush new Inner Turf 

This amazing sculpture had Instagram ‘lit’ Queen’s Plate Festival weekend!

 

Our #QP19 look: suit by Calvin Klein, ascot by Zara, sunnies by H&M and shoes by INC 

Also, our dear friend Dawn Lupul, who has given fans amazing race analysis for eleven years now, says goodbye. We will miss her so much at the races and can’t wait for her next venture in holistic health and wellness. Send her your regards at @DawnLupul.

 

 

Congrats to our Reader, Cindy who won a pair of passes to the Festival this weekend. She had a blast, meeting The Washboard Union and also our adorable Mr Will!

 

Congrats, @sindai on winning our #QP19 Passes. Look at the amazing first of two nights she had! pic.twitter.com/nE367kMTWC

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) June 29, 2019

 
And a special thanks to Honda Canada for providing us with the 2019 HONDA PASSPORT to drive this Canada Day weekend. We’re in love. 🍁 

Happy Canada Day! 🍁 Doing this long weekend right, courtesy of the powerful, roomy and stylish @HondaCanada Passport! pic.twitter.com/iroyHK95S4

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) July 1, 2019

 

More on the Queen’s Plate here.

 

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Woodbine Entertainment)