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:
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:
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:
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)
I don’t believe it’s already time for the QUEEN’S PLATE! More than ever, Horse Racing is becoming vogue once again with major Canadian Outlets like eTalk, Breakfast Television and Flare several more featuring Canadian Racing’s biggest day! And although we still have a little bit of time left to coordinate our outfits – pink certainly will be the colour of choice with attentions turned to Rethink Breast Cancer – now’s the time to be thinking about who we’ll pick to win the $1-million race! This, believe it or not, is the 155th edition of the race for three-year-old horses bred in Canada – the most historic in all of North America.
Although we briefed you on the Contenders a little while back, the Post Position Draw for the Race has been held at Woodbine Racetrack and here are the official Contenders including 14 Boys and 1 remarkable Girl. Expect American-based/Canadian-born We Miss Artie to be a clear-cut favourite in the race.
#1 Cap in Hand – ran third in a prep race June 15th at Woodbine. His Owners Tucci Stables won the Queen’s Plate last year with Midnight Aria, who also happens to be by the same Father as Cap in Hand, Midnight Lute. This one has banked $47k. He’ll need a huge improvement to be a factor. Trainer Sid Attard will be up against his two sons, Jamie and Paul who each have entrants.
#2 Coltimus Prime – will be a hit among Transformers Fans and believe me, there are many of you out there! He certainly is regarded as one with potential and on his best day is capable of a big effort. He won his June 8th prep for this race at Woodbine, the same race which saw Athenian Guard unseat his rider. He has earned $114k in seven starts for Cabernet Stable and will be near the front of the pace in the race. He also happens to be the only Social Media-savvy entrant who has his own Twitter account: @COLTIMUSPRIME!
#3 Athenian Guard – appeared to be on his way to victory in a prep race on June 8th at Woodbine, but right into the stretch he booted his rider, Justin Stein. He has one win to his credit and $40k in the bank for A&L Racing Stables.
#4 Asserting Bear – has the benefit of a couple super-tough races in the U.S. earlier in his 2014 campaign and in March at Turfway Park, he was less than one length from beating the definitive Queen’s Plate favourite, We Miss Artie. He did technically win his prep for this race, the Marine Stakes, but was disqualified and placed third for interference. Model/Actress/Jockey Chantal Sutherland-Kruse will be aboard him for popular Bear Stables. The gutsy colt has earned $283k thus far in his ten races to date.
#5 Man o’ Bear – is a stablemate of Asserting Bear and although he hasn’t quite shown the same ability as that one, he certainly is no slacker. He ran third in Canada’s top race for two-year-olds last fall, the Coronation Futurity. More recently, he ran fifth to We Miss Artie in the Plate Trial and might’ve needed that one start to get going. Shoe-obsessed Trainer Reade Baker still stands by his belief that Man o’Bear is the stronger of the Duo.
#6 We Miss Artie – appears on paper to be heads and shoulders above the competition and is a deserving race favourite. The son of Artie Schiler, owned by Americans Ken & Sarah Ramsey won the Plate Trial effortlessly on June 15th at Woodbine, his first race ever on Canadian soil after a successful stint in the U.S. He placed tenth in the Kentucky Derby this May, which by no means is a disgrace, considering the caliber of competition he was facing. Top American rider Javier Castellano returns to Woodbine for the call. In ten starts, he has grossed over $691k in earnings. You certainly can bet on him, but don’t expect a big pay-off. He is listed at 8-5 odds, which is $5.20 back on a $2 investment.
#7 Majestic Sunset – has yet to win his first race, but he is great about bringing home paycheques for his owner, oil tycoon John C. Oxley. The handsome son of Artie Schiller, also the father of race favourite We Miss Artie, is known for having uniquely one blue and one brown eye. He ran second to We Miss Artie recently in the Plate Trial, by far his best performance yet. Could the earner of $111k be saving that big win for the big day?
#8 Lions Bay – appears to be doing everything right and it is just a matter of how good and ready he really is. In two 2014 starts, he has won both times with something left in the tank. This will be the toughest test for the $60k-earning colt owned by the Earle family. Young Trainer Jamie Attard also makes his first appearance in the Queen’s Plate.
#9 Heart to Heart – kicked-off his year in a big way at Keeneland this March winning dominantly, but returned home to Woodbine in the Marine Stakes finishing last. It is necessary to clarify however, that only one horse length separated the entire field in that competitive race and that being said, he could be in the thick of it for a piece of the prize. He has made $111k in seven starts for owner Terry Hamilton.
#10 Matador – also is owned by John C. Oxley and has shown flashes of brilliance on his best day, hence it is just a matter of whether or not he will be on-point Queen’s Plate Day. He won a prep race easily on May 28th at Woodbine against much easier but certainly will benefit from some tough races earlier in 2014 in the U.S. where he wasn’t much of a factor. I’ve said it once and will say it again – the earner of $260k is a better horse on the grass. Unfortunately though, the Queen’s Plate isn’t a grass race. American Jockey Julien Leparoux will be flying-in for the assignment and he is listed as the third choice at 8-1 odds, which is $18 back on a $2 bet.
#11 One Destiny – is an improving type, but will need to progress leaps and bounds in-time for the weekend. He ran third in his only start this season at Woodbine June 8th to Coltimus Prime. Owner/Trainer Alec Fehr and Winston Penny are the connections behind this $34k winner. He is expected to be close to the pace.
#12 Tower of Texas – has never missed a cheque for his owners Scott Dilworth and Thomas Van Meter II, banking $108k in eight starts. It’s taken a bit of time for the expensive purchase (he was bought for $200k) to figure things out, but he’s learning quickly and in the Plate Trial he tried rather hard, placing third ultimately to We Miss Artie. Hall of Fame Inductee Roger Attfield trains (he has won the race eight times!) and New York-based John Velazquez, who certainly knows Woodbine well, flies-in for the task.
#13 Niigon Express – certainly is talented. The only question is whether or not he is talented enough to win the Queen’s Plate. He has run two solid races at Woodbine this spring, placing first and then second most recently on June 15th to promising Freitag, who is by-passing the Queen’s Plate. Owner Chiefswood Stable won this race in 2004 with his father, Niigon who also drew number #13 the year he won. Young Trainer Paul Attard will be in the Queen’s Plate the first time. His Father Sid and Brother Jamie also have entries in the race.
#14 Lexie Lou – the only filly in the race will be facing boys for the first time. She is a model of consistency and more often than not runs with heart. She recently won the prestigious $500k Woodbine Oaks, regarded as the top race for three-year-old fillies in Canada. Film-producing giant Gary Barber (The Hobbit) purchased her for an undisclosed large sum earlier this year and he looks quickly to make a return on his investment. Note that she ran a full second faster than race favourite We Miss Artie on June 15th. She has earned over $600k in eleven starts and eventually will be racing on the grass surface. Expect her mid-pack in the race early. She is listed at 4-1 odds, making her the second choice which is a $10 payout on a $2 bet.
#15 Ami’s Holiday – almost won his prep race, the $125k Marine Stakes on May 25th at Woodbine, finishing third narrowly to Asserting Bear. The Stewards reviewed the race and found that he had been interfered with in the stretch and was awarded subsequently second place. He has won over $214k for Owner Ivan Dalos.
See Mr. Will‘s Snaps of the official 2014 QUEEN’S PLATE Contenders:
We did a quick survey on our Facebook Fan Page to see which Horse Wongsters think will win the #QP14 and although it was a close one, you guys chose….
ASSERTING BEAR!!!
Never discount LEXIE LOU though, as she was a close second!
If you’re coming down to the races for the first time this Sunday, July 6, 2014, dress to impress and come say “hi” as we’ll be at the Hats & Horseshoes Party by the Walking Ring starting at 12:00 PM! It is going to be an amazing afternoon full of races starting at 1:00 PM and your first bet is on Woodbine! See a Betting Ambassador for details. See you there!
If you can’t make it out to #QP14, tune-in from home on TSN in HD between 4:30 – 6:00 PM EST.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
With less than five weeks to go till the 155th edition of the QUEEN’S PLATE, we’re counting down the days to one of our favourite events of the Summer! We’ll be separating the Contenders from the Pretenders and also remembering some of our favourite looks from recent Queen’s Plates! May together we too can get a bit of inspiration what to wear on the Big Day, Sunday, July 6, 2014?
Hint: you can never go wrong with blue, a Top Hat or a lovely Fascinator! The colour of choice this year just might have to be pink as Woodbine Entertainment partner with Rethink Breast Cancer for the first time! $1 from every Queen’s Plate Tickets in fact go to Breast Cancer Research and Awareness!
The mile-and-a-quarter $1-million Race held annually at Woodbine Racetrack, puts Canada’s best three-year-old Horses against one another in the Test of a lifetime. Past Winners of the Race whom would go on to achieve great fame include the likes of Dance Smartly, Awesome Again, Northern Dancer and With Approval, their offspring changing the face of Horse Racing on an international scale. Members of the Royal Family have made their way to Woodbine in previous years to celebrate the Race, with Queen Elizabeth II visiting most recently in 2010.
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THE CONTENDERS
The Field for the Queen’s Plate is shaping-up nicely and we can expect some Canadian-born Invaders based in the U.S. to make their way north for a shot at the Winner’s Purse. Keep in mind, a lot can happen in five weeks, so these names are subject to change.
We can expect WE MISS ARTIE, who won the Spiral Stakes at Turfway Park in Kentucky back in March before a tenth-place finish against Horse Racing’s It Boy, California Chrome, in the famed Kentucky Derby. Mind you, that is by no means a disgrace. He should really be renamed We Welcome Artie as we waited way too long on his Canadian debut, but it was well worth it as he effortlessly won the Plate Trial at Woodbine with plenty left in the tank under top U.S. rider Javier Castellano.
Owner Ivan Dalos and Trainer Josie Carroll (the first female Trainer ever to win the Queen’s Plate) have a strong Duo in undefeated filly ARAGORN AMI, Winner of the Martha Washington Stakes at Oaklawn Park in Arkansas in February and also the promising colt AMI’S HOLIDAY, who had a horrendous trip this past weekend to finish third (although awarded second place through disqualification) in the Marine Stakes at Woodbine. That Race is seen as an important stepping stone to the Queen’s Plate. The Plate Trial on Sunday, June 15, 2014 will paint us a clearer picture of where he fits, but he definitely is one of the ones to beat.
ASSERTING BEAR last weekend won the Marine Stakes before being disqualified and placed third for interfering with AMI’S HOLIDAY. That Race aside, the tenacious colt has shown he belongs with the best, winning the Nation’s top race for two-year-olds last fall, the Coronation Futurity. His Stablemate MAN O’BEAR comes highly-touted by their Trainer Reader Baker, although he has yet to make his first start in 2014 after a successful, promising two-year-old campaign.
Iconic Sam-Son Farms have won the Plate five times and just might have a shot with their speedy colt SPEIGHTSONG, a half-brother to reigning Canadian Horse of the Year Up with the Birds, who ran second in Queen’s Plate last year. Although his Trainer Malcolm Pierce has some concerns whether he can handle the classic mile-and-a-quarter distance – a real test of stamina – he is seen as a major contender.
Never discount the girls as seven fillies have won this prestigious Race prior. In addition to the aforementioned ARAGORN AMI, expect the superb PALADIN BAY to face the Boys in the Plate. The Finalist for Champion 2-year-old Filly honours last year at the Sovereign Awards appears to be peaking at the right time. After a dynamic win in the Selene Stakes at Woodbine last month, she faltered in the Woodbine Oaks, but could well re-group if the cards line-up right in the Queen’s Plate.
LEXIE LOU, who recently was purchased by American Film Mogul Gary Barber (21 Jump Street, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey), has fought tooth-and-nail with PALADIN BAY for much of her career and her win in the prestigious $500k Woodbine Oaks solidifies her not only as a leader in her division, but also a major threat to win the Queen’s Plate.
Looking for a Dark Horse? Several of this year’s Queen’s Plate Nominees are light on racing experience – some which have yet to win a race. Do keep a tab on the likes of UNIKAT, owned by Canadian Billionaire Frank Stronach‘s Adena Springs. The colt with regal bloodlines recently shipped to Woodbine to train and looks still to win his first race here. Fans of The Lego® Movie, which we’re giving away copies of, might find something to like about his name!
Chiefswood Stables might know a thing or two about having a Horse ready for the Queen’s Plate having won in 2004 with Niigon. Their LATIN PIPER is handled by Trainer Rachel Halden and Rider Steve Bahen (partners both on and off the track), looking to be ripe and ready for the Big Race and he continues to improve; the same applies for his brother, the consistent NIIGON EXPRESS, trained by Paul Attard and also being primed for the Plate.
FREITAG is owned now by Tycoon Earle I. Mack who won the Canadian Triple Crown in 1993 with Peteski. The handsome colt looks to be peaking at the right time with a win mid-June in preparation for the Plate.
American Oil Tycoon John C. Oxley always is well-represented with an A-List roster of Horses based at Woodbine. This year he has the sometimes-great MATADOR, who despite not showing consistent form, certainly isn’t to be discounted even though he disputably is a better horse on the grass (the Queen’s Place is raced on a synthetic dirt Polytrack).After a tough winter campaign, he returned home victoriously in a key prep race against lighter competition.
LEIF ERIKSON also is showing rapid improvement and the colt named after the Norse Explorer of the same name, looks like he might like the added distance of the Plate. He ran second to MATADOR in what will serve as a prep for the Plate Trial June 15, 2014, but faltered in another prep mid-June.
We’re sure even his Owners J. Peri, Frank DiGiulio Jr. and Bob Tiller (who also trains him) didn’t expect the gray THE IMPOSTER to be as good as he is, but he’s built an almost-flawless race record in three starts. More recently, he ran second to SPEIGHTSONG in the Queenston Stakes at Woodbine and looks to be improving just at the right time.
Those of you who love a good hunch bet will love Transformers-inspired COLTIMUS PRIME, who has shown good consistency at Woodbine and most recently won a prep for the Queen’s Plate. The Film (and Franchise Character) for which he is named after, actually will be in theatres about a week before the Queen’s Plate and as a side note, we will be giving away Passes shortly for TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION right here rather soon! Stay tuned.
See my Snaps of some of the 2014 Queen’s Plate Contenders below:
Rethink Breast Cancer will for the first time be throwing a Bash and you can attend their Rethink at the Races Vintage Garden Party! Details here.
There will be plenty of Food Trucks at Woodbine on Queen’s Plate Day this year including local Faves like Beavertails, Smoke’s Poutinerie, Nathan’s Hot Dogs and Curbside Bliss Cupcakes and more! All are welcome to attend the Hats & Horseshoes Party (it’s free!) which begins at 12:00 PM near the Walking Ring where the Horses come out and parade before their races.
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If you want to be a part of MR. WILL’S 2014 QUEEN’S PLATE VIP EXPERIENCE, here’s your chance to party with me at the ultra-exclusive Flare Magazine Lounge. There will be amazing food, cocktails, glamour and tons of fun to be had! The Winner also will receive Grandstand Tickets to enjoy an amazing afternoon at the Races! And let’s not forget the chance to win some money!
Worried about transportation? No worries, we’ll see to it that you have access to our private luxury shuttle!
To enter to experience the Party of a lifetime, Toronto Readers simply can click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook and tell me which of the Queen’s Plate Contenders (named above) you’re rooting for. You are encouraged to share this Post with your Friends on Facebook to increase your chances at winning! You also may Re-Tweet the below:
http://mrwillwong.com/QueensPlate14 @MRWILLW wants us to #win the experience of a lifetime to party at the #QUEENSPLATE 7/6/14 at @WoodbineRacing! #QP14
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Learn more about the Queen’s Plate here and start planning your visit like right now!
Tickets are still available, but always sell-out! Click on the banner below to get yours now:
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Woodbine Entertainment)
Now in its 155th year, North America’s most historic Horse Race The Queen’s Plate, will be taking place sooner thank you think at Woodbine Racetrack!
Bringing together Canada’s finest three-year-old Horses, the prestigious $1-million Race in previous years has brought-out The Royals including Her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth II!
Mark your Calendars Toronto and bring-on your fanciest hat as the Hats & Horseshoes Party takes place near Woodbine Racetrack’s scenic Walking Ring once again this year. Not only can you be a part of history, but you also can be part of the Party, testing your luck on an exciting afternoon Card of Races Sunday, July 5, 2014!
There will be a variety of Live Entertainment and scintillating Food Trucks on-hand also to make the Day extra amazing!
Be a part of the fun by pre-ordering your Tickets here beginning Thursday, May 1, 2014. Tickets almost always sell-out quickly!
I’ll definitely be there this year, so I’ll see you there, Wongsters and some of you may have the chance to be a part of my ultra-exclusive FLARE Lounge Party!
If you’ve never been to the Races, this is the year to experience breathtaking Woodbine Racetrack for once and for all!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Woodbine Entertainment)
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