In addition to being the event of the summer every year in Toronto, the 157th Queen’s Plate this July at Woodbine Racetrack will feature a new musical twist! North America’s most historic horse race is centered around a day of bold fashion, cocktails, legacy, food, betting and fun. In the coming weeks we’ll be highlighting the trail to the $1-million Queen’s Plate as we anxiously await who will be crowned this year’s Queen’s Plate champion!

Set to take three stages at the scenic venue are a variety of Canadian Indie musical acts. Announced are Emerson Street Rhythm Band, Andrew Hyatt, The Pick Brothers Band and River Town Saints. Three headliners also just have been unveiled including Hedley, Matthew Good and The Strumbellas! For now, general grandstand tickets are available starting at only $15.

Get Social.  “Like” the official Queen’s Plate Facebook Page here. Join the convo by using the Hashtag #QP16!

Details on the Queen’s Plate and how you can get tickets here.

What better way to spend Canada Day weekend?

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

What a year it’s been!  The Racing Season at Woodbine ended last weekend and although it’s only been a week, I do miss it!  It brings be so many mixed emotions to see so many of our human and equine friends in the industry ship south to the warmer weathers of Kentucky and Florida this winter, but I know they’re all just a Facebook post away and I can keep a tab on the horses like they are my children.

Over the course of the year I have taken well over 25k photos.  Hence, to narrow them down to 400 even was a great feat on my part. I take so much pride in every photo I take, discarding one literally is like getting rid of a memory for me and I have a hard time letting go.

Bit by bit since last Saturday, I’d paste together pieces in what little spare time I had to compile my annual 2015 Year in Horses Video.  These Snaps span from April through November, my travels taking me to Fort Erie, New Jersey and Lexington.  It was an historic year and no racing fan can deny the sheer delight of witnessing a Triple Crown champion in American Pharoah.  The three-year-old colt not only would become the first horse since 1978 to accomplish the illusive feat, but he’d also go on to be the first ever to sweep a Grand Slam (Triple Crown + Breeders’ Cup Classic) en route to capping his career off with $8.6 million in earnings, making him a likely Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year.

Although racing certainly was exciting south of the border, we had plenty to be proud of in Canada with a competitive three-year-old division which saw three separate horses win each leg of our own Triple Crown: Shaman Ghost, Breaking Lucky and Danish Dynaformer respectively.  A Woodbine-based filly named Academic however would travel out west and accomplish some great feats including the Canadian Derby, which could definitely sway voters in Horse of the Year voting in her favour.

To me, the strongest performances came in the two-year-old divisions. For the first time ever a Woodbine-based filly would go south  to win the $1-million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf in Catch a Glimpse.  Caren also has been a monster, showing great versatility no matter short nor far including a win in the country’s most important race for fillies in her division, the Princess Elizabeth Stakes.  Riker was undefeated in Canada before performing respectably in the $1-million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, under Jesse Campbell, who also pilots Caren.  And Conquest Enforcer dropped the jaws of everyone including Woodbine‘s CEO, Jim Lawson, with a powerful display in the $250k Cup and Saucer at Woodbine, leaving us wanting more.  Meanwhile Shakhimat (translation: “check mate”) gave us every reason to believe he well could be the favourite in next year’s Queen’s Plate, to be held Sunday, July 3, 2016.  He crushed a talented field in the $250k Coronation Futurity last month.

Enough words, more pictures.  Enjoy.

Mr. Will

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

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.

The big day is near and we couldn’t be more thrilled!  Sunday marks the 100% sold-out 156th running of the Queen’s Plate at Woodbine Racetrack.  If you couldn’t get your tickets in advance, you can still join the fun at the Hats & Horseshoes Party near the Walking Ring or stand and watch the action!  Bring your best hat or fascinator!

The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell is the 29th Lieutenant Governor and she will be in attendance for the grand affair as 14 three-year-old horses compete for the $1-million purse.  The Queen’s Plate is the most historic horse race in North America.

Without further a do, here is our official Queen’s Plate Field:

DANISH DYNAFORMER leads the pack as the Race Favourite after a smashing Plate Trial win for Hall of Fame Trainer Roger Attfield, at 3-1 odds and owner Charles E. Fipke. Marine Stakes winner SHAMAN GHOST is listed as second choice at 7-2 odds for owner Stronach Stables and Trainer Brian Lynch. Third in the morning line is Woodbine Oaks winner ACADEMIC at 5-1 for Bear Stables and Trainer Reade Baker. She is the lone filly in the Field. Winterbook Favourite AMI’S FLATTER who ran an impressive third this winter in the Florida Derby down south, is listed as fourth choice at 6-1.

Some unfortunate news broke today as probable Favourite CONQUEST CURLINATE suffered a career-ending injury training. Owner Ernie Semersky was devastated and poignant in his discontent, telling me that the situation he felt was completely avoidable as another horse training had veered into him. He plans to proceed further with the matter. The Illinois Businessman who is a strong proponent of animal welfare, shipping-in some expensive stock to Woodbine for us to enjoy, feels strongly that Queen’s Plate Contenders should have their own allocated timeslot, seeing the magnitude of the Race.

For more on his Statement, visit Conquest Stables‘ official Facebook Page.

Who’s your Queen’s Plate Pick?

For more on the Queen’s Plate and how to get there Sunday, click here.

Also, don’t forget to use the #QP15 Hashtag and do a Selfie at Woodbine with the Hashtag #OfftotheRaces for a chance to win $1k!  Details.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

This post was created in partnership with Woodbine Racetrack.

The 156th Queen’s Plate is less than two weeks away. Have you got your tickets yet? The realms of Fashion and Sports collide on Canadian Horse Racing’s biggest day Sunday, July 5, 2015 as the Country’s best three-year-olds face-off in the $1 million race, known as the most historic thoroughbred race in North America!

This quite honestly is the most competitive year yet and it really could be anybody’s race. Will Plate Trial winner DANISH DYNAFORMER repeat a dynamic performance?  Will CONQUEST CURLINATE set matters straight after a narrow defeat in the Plate Trial?  Will the lovely and talented filly ACADEMIC school the boys? Will SHAMAN GHOST terrify his competitors?  Will AMI’S FLATTER compliment his supporters after being stamped the Winterbook choice to win the race earlier this year?  Or will CONQUEST BOOGALOO funk us up?  We’ll know v. soon.

All are welcome to the Hats & Horseshoes Party (18+ only) by the scenic Walking Ring at Woodbine Racetrack.  Fans new and old are encouraged to come! In addition to a thrilling card of Live Racing, there will be a red carpet, live entertainment, food trucks, games and a chance for you to experience the official cocktail of the Queen’s Plate, the Blue Diamond! Bring your best hat or fascinator and be your own King or Queen!

In addition to glamour and excitement, $1 from every program and ticket sold for the Queen’s Plate will once again go to Rethink Breast Cancer!

Click here to get your tickets now! There aren’t many left, so hurry!

See this year’s groundbreaking LEGO TV Spot for the Queen’s Plate!

The rain certainly came and never did cease, but this would not deter Racing Fans old and new from coming-out to celebrate Budweiser Woodbine Oaks Day!  The atmosphere was alive with free Corona hats to be snagged, Sundaes to be served, an awesome Budweiser Prize Pack (including a mini fridge!) up for grabs, free first bets, Bud Girls and more in attendance. Earlier on the card, Edmonton-based jockey Quincy Welch was honoured with the Avelino Gomez Award, given to jockeys who have made significant contributions to the Sport. Today also marked the first day new Announcer Robert Geller took the reins from recently-retired Dan Loiselle and a credible job he did with his distinct Tenor and Australian flare.

The $500k Budweiser Woodbine Oaks is known definitively as the top race for three-year-old fillies born in Canada, dating all the way back to 1956. Some fillies like Superstars Dance Smartly and Lexie Lou who were victorious in the race, even went-on to win the Country’s most prestigious affair, the Queen’s Plate – up next on the first Sunday of July.

Few saw it coming, but 60-to-1 Longshot ACADEMIC thrust herself straight to the lead and never looked back, paying her supporters dividends with a payout of $135.30 to a $2 bet.  Not only did she win with authority under jockey Justin Stein, for Bear Stables and Trainer Reade Baker, but she smashed the existing Track Record for 1 1/8 miles in a time of 1:48.86. Race Favourite LONDON TOWER ran a game second, besting SEASON TICKET who placed third.

ACADEMIC:

Academic had our jaws dropping in the #WoodbineOaks today! Flying over that finish line! #Horse #Racetrack #Thoroughbred #Woodbine #HorseRacing #GetintheGame

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jun 14, 2015 at 3:56pm PDT

On the Undercard also was the Plate Trial, the official prep race for the $1-million Queen’s Plate, known as North America’s most historic race, now in its 156th year.  DANISH DYNAFORMER would peak right in-time for the $150k race, winning decisively and holding-off a late charge from the much-buzzed CONQUEST CURLINATE, who ran a couple bang-up races in the U.S. this winter. Finishing third was the latter’s stablemate, CONQUEST BOOGALOO who also is improving with experience.  Owned by Charles Fipke and trained by Hall of Famer, Roger Attfield, the Winner was ridden by multi-champion Luis Contreras, paying $9.90 to a $2 bet.

DANISH DYNAFORMER:

#DanishDynaformer stamps himself our #QueensPlate (7/5) favourite with a decisive win in the Plate Trial today! #QP15 #Woodbine #Racetrack #HorseRacing #Thoroughbred #Horse #GetintheGame A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jun 14, 2015 at 4:07pm PDT

Like last year, the Girls ran considerably faster than the Boys, with DANISH DYNAFORMER completing 1 1/8 miles in 1:49.81, translating to about five horse lengths slower than ACADEMIC.   Trainer Baker has expressed his intent to have ACADEMIC ready to face-off her male opponents in the Queen’s Plate despite not being nominated initially. As a result, a supplementary fee will be paid to have her eligible.

Although there was much cause for celebration, the Plate Trial was marred by the fatal injury of Race Favourite DANZIG MOON, who was making his first start ever at Woodbine after a successful winter, which saw him place a solid fifth in the prestigious Kentucky Derby to subsequent Triple Crown Hero, AMERICAN PHAROAH.  Mishaps as this are rare in the Sport and many Fans are grieving the loss of what could well have been this year’s Queen’s Plate Champion.

I too am one of several Fans devastated by his loss, although grateful I had a chance to see him in-person once:

In loving memory of #DanzigMoon, whom we lost tragically today. This is for the Grooms and Trainers who work closely with these animals to ensure they are at their best. You will be sadly missed buddy, and all of us racing fans at Woodbine are proud of what you accomplished for us in your brief and celebrated time here. And we are honoured we got to see you once.

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jun 14, 2015 at 4:53pm PDT

The Queen’s Plate is just around the corner and we look forward to seeing you there as we soon will crown a new Victor/Victress.

More details here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Thanks to the Triple Crown-winning accomplishments of AMERICAN PHAROAH, the Public’s interest in Horse Racing has been piqued once again.  Many of us here in Toronto have front-of-the-line access to some of the World’s best at Woodbine Racetrack – just minutes from the Toronto Pearson International Airport – and don’t even know it!

For years now I’ve been singing the praises of the Sport.  I grew-up with it and still love v. much to this day as an Ambassador. It is a great part of our Canadian heritage and something that generates a great  amount of revenue for our Province every year. I’ve hosted events on major Race Days for Newbies and the response always is unanimous  – Horse Racing is exhilarating and fun!

You’ll be thrilled about an amazing opportunity to win a $1,000 Woodbine Gift Card! All you have to do is attend the races at Woodbine at some point in the 2015 Racing Season and post a Selfie on Twitter using the Hashtag #OfftotheRaces to qualify!  How easy! And you didn’t even have to place a bet!  Your Selfie literally could win you a cool grand. Get creative!

THE QUEEN’S PLATE

Canada’s most prestigious and North America’s most historic horse race, the Queen’s Plate, is coming next month and we’re thrilled at what is shaping-up to be the strongest field in quite some time, after witnessing some of our own Canadian-breds do great things south of the border this winter!

Who will be this year’s Queen’s Plate Champ?  Will it be a rapidly-improving Shaman Ghost? Or could it be Conquest Curlinate who stood a real chance at thwarting American Pharoah‘s Triple Crown bid?  Will last year’s two-year-old Champion Conquest Typhoon be ready after some setbacks? Could it be Danish Dynaformer from the barn of Hall of Fame Trainer Roger Attfield who won the official prep race, the Plate Trial? Or how about the promising Ami’s Flatter from the barn of Josie Carroll, the first-ever female Trainer to win the Queen’s Plate? What if it were a filly to win again against the boys in talented Academic?

Some major Race Days this Season at Woodbine Racetrack include:

Sunday, June 14th, the $500k Budweiser Woodbine Oaks and $150k Plate Trial

The Woodbine Oaks is restricted for Canadian-bred Fillies and is the Country’s most important race for the division. Greats like Dance Smartly and Lexie Lou (in 2014) won this Race en route to doing amazing things in the U.S., including both being named Canadian Horse of the Year.

The Plate Trial is considered a key Prep Race for the Queen’s Plate and often determines who will be the Favourite in the Queen’s Plate.  Big Red Mike, Eye of the Leopard,  Alydeed, Izvestia and With Approval are among winners of this race who went on to win the Plate.

Sunday, July 5th, the 156th running of the $1 million Queen’s Plate

The Queen’s Plate is the Country’s top race for three-year-olds, the Canadian equivalent to America’s Kentucky Derby.  Various members of the Royal Family, including Queen Elizabeth II have attended the prestigious affair.

The event is highlighted by the Hats & Horseshoes Party –  which all are invited to – sees guests at Woodbine dressing-up in their best attire and hats to celebrate the important race with cocktails, food, entertainment, music and fashion.

Sunday, September 13th, the $1 million Ricoh Woodbine Mile

One of Woodbine‘s marquee fixtures, which traditionally has drawn some of the World’s finest talent as a Grade I race.  The one-mile event on the grass has attracted the likes of Rahy’s Attorney, Shakespeare, Leroidesanimaux, Court Vision and two-time North American Horse of the Year, Wise Dan who won the race twice in 2012 and 2013.

Sunday, October 18th, the $1 million Pattison Canadian International

Most famously known as the race in which legendary Secretariat capped-off his remarkable career, the Pattison Canadian International every year attracts a field rich and deep in quality as the lush turf course Woodbine is known for.  Singspiel, Sky Classic, Chief Bearheart, Infamy, All Along, Majesty’s Prince and three-time Winner, Joshua Tree are among some of the more famous winners of the Grade I race.

Sunday, October 24, the Breeders’ Crown

While most of the races we’ve named thus far are for Thoroughbred horses, Woodbine also is known for its world-class Harness Racing (you know… where horses race in Buggies?).  The Breeders’s Crown is known as a championship night of racing, with purses totaling the millions, seeing Standardbred horses across twelve different divisions compete for titles.  We’re extremely lucky to see the night hosted at Woodbine this year, with the Breeders’ Crown touring different tracks across North America annually.

Stay tuned for our coverage leading-up to the Plate in coming weeks. We’re extremely stoked to be covering some of this year’s Candidates and we’ll be sure to have you Queen’s Plate-ready in-time for that first Sunday in July!

 More info on the Queen’s Plate here.

For more information on Woodbine Entertainment, visit here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

This post was created in partnership with Woodbine Racetrack.

The 2014 Sovereign Award Nominees have been announced and we’re thrilled to see many of our Friends get recognition at the Awards, honouring the finest in Canadian Thoroughbred Racing on Friday, April 10, 2015.

Make no mistake – Horse of the Year honours truly is a one-horse Race with Canada’s star Filly and Queen’s Plate Champion LEXIE LOU a horseshoe-in for the win, although Finalists in that coveted category only will be revealed the night of the Awards.

Expected to win Two-Year-Old Male by a margin is Conquest Tsunami, who had a marvelous campaign for his Illinois-based Owners Conquest Stables LLC, before finding some success in the U.S..   Champion Three-Year-Old Male is a competitive division in a year where the spotlight was shared by several Boys including Breeders’ Stakes Winner Ami’s Holiday and Prince of Wales Stakes Winner, Coltimus Prime. Mark Casse is expected to be a definitive choice in the Trainer category, winning 93 races and $7.7 million in purse earnings at Woodbine. Patrick Husbands, a regular rider for Team Casse also is a clear-cut choice in the Jockey category with 170 wins in 2014 at the Toronto Oval.

Here are the Nominees in all categories:

Champion Two-Year-Old Filly
Brooklynsway
Conquest Harlanate
London Tower
Mississippi Delta

Champion Two-Year-Old Male
Conquest Tsunami
Conquest Typhoon
Decision Day
Phil’s Cocktail

Champion Three-Year-Old Female
Executive Allure
Lexie Lou
Paladin Bay
Sweater Weather

Champion Three-Year-Old Male
Ami’s Holiday
Coltimus Prime
Florida Won
Heart to Heart

Champion Older Female
Hillaby
Silent Star
Spring in the Air
Strut the Course

Champion Older Male
Calgary Cat
Lukes Alley
Sharp Sensation
Sky Captain

Champion Female Turf Horse
Deceptive Vision
Executive Allure
Lexie Lou
Royal Fury

Champion Male Turf Horse
Dynamic Sky
Excaper
Heart to Heart
Sharp Sensation

Champion Female Sprinter
Cactus Kris
Executive Allure
Hillaby
Spring in the Air

Champion Male Sprinter
Calgary Cat
Excaper
Phil’s Dream
Sharp Sensation

Outstanding Broodmare
Cruising Kris
Eye of the Sphynx
Star Guest
Uproar

Outstanding Breeder
Adena Springs
Paradox Farm Inc.
Sam-Son Farm
William Sorokolit

Outstanding Owner
Gary Barber
Conquest Stables, LLC
John C. Oxley
Sam-Son Farm

Outstanding Trainer
Josie Carroll
Mark Casse
Brian Lynch
Greg Tracy

Outstanding Apprentice Jockey
Damario Bynoe
Sheena Ryan
Ericka Smilovsky
Nick Webb

Outstanding Jockey
Luis Contreras
Eurico Da Silva
Patrick Husbands
Rico Walcott

Nominees in Media Categories also will be announced late February and we wish all our Friends the best of luck!

Maybe one day we’ll be good enough to get a nod!

The 2015 Thoroughbred Season at Woodbine Racetrack begins Saturday, April 11, 2015 and we can’t wait for this winter to be over so that we can reunite with our Fave!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Invictus, Shanghai Noon, Skyfall, Footloose, The Tourist, Bruce Almighty, Evan Almighty, RoboCop, 21 Jump Street, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.  If you’ve seen any of these Films, chances are, you know the work of Gary Barber.  The American Film Producer and CEO/Chairman of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer of South African origins, certainly is a respected entity also in the World of Horse Racing too with a number of top-tier Competitors in his Stable under the care of Trainer Mark Casse at Woodbine Racetack in Toronto.

Just last month, he won the most important race in the Country with his star filly, Lexie Lou whom he purchased only earlier this year for what seems like a bargain price of $400k.   Although Barber was unable to attend that Race –  the Queen’s Plate –  he certainly made up for it in a big way yesterday at Woodbine Racetrack.  Two of his Stable Stars, the vastly-improved Kaigun and Lexie Lou swept the two Feature Races of the day, the Grade II Play the King Stakes and also the Wonder Where Stakes, respectively.

We had the amazing opportunity of meeting Barber, who was in great spirits, stopping to pose for Photos on the Turf Course for Track Photographer Mike Burns, as Assistant Trainer Katherine Sullivan showed him around the facilities.  He even gave me a fist-bump after Lexie Lou‘s Victory, thanking me for my support!

We of course are a huge Fan of Barber and Lexie Lou!

See her latest win below:

Our Snap with Barber:

See our Snap (thanks Julie Wright  for this!) with Lexie Lou and Assistant Trainer David Adams:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong | Video credit: Woodbine Entertainment Group)

The Queen’s Plate always is a huge deal for me and I was thrilled this year once again to be a part of it all!  For those unaware, the 155th edition of North America’s most historic horse race was held at Woodbine Racetrack, drawing a huge crowd of Racing Fans and Fashionable types.  The celebrations wouldn’t quit with the Hats & Horseshoes Party going-on into the evening even after the races were over.  Live Music, Food Trucks, some high-profile Media Types like CTV‘s The Social Host Melissa Grelo and a partnership with Rogers Media, including Flare Magazine,  helped the Queen’s Plate reach a new audience, going even deeper into the Canadian consciousness.

Fans of my Blog sometimes are confused about my love for the Sport, but it truly runs deep in my blood.  I grew-up with Horse Racing and my Family is extremely passionate about it.  It  always will hold a dear place in my heart and I am happy to do anything I can to spread awareness to an important Industry which employs over 20k people in Ontario, generating millions in revenue for our province.  Hosting a group of new racing fans in the exclusive Flare Lounge yesterday and seeing their enthusiasm confirmed exactly what I’ve known all along. This is the greatest sport on Earth and all it takes is one afternoon at the races to see it.

It made me so happy to see the Grandstand and Walking Ring filled with people who normally don’t come out to the races, igniting Woodbine with smiles, hats and colourful fascinators.  The thunderous cheer from the Crowd as our hometown girl LEXIE LOU thundered past the boys in the stretch to win the $1-million race is something I will never forget.  The great sense of pride I felt for jockey Patrick Husbands – being just a few feet from him and Lexie Lou in the Winner’s Circle –  as he tore flowers from his victory flower blanket, throwing petals into the air like confetti, is a feeling so magical I wish I could make you experience it just once.

I love this Sport so much and hope it’ll be here to stay forever.

See some Snaps from the Festivities I took yesterday:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)