Happy Thanksgiving!  It’s been a while since we’ve had an installment of Princess Diaries, so we thought we’d check-in on our  sweetheart, A PIC BY MRWILL!

After surprising us with a sharp burst of speed in her last race August 5th, she had us biting our nails in what was her most daring run yet, leading most of the way to tire late at the seven furlong distance.  I guess our biggest dilemma still is figuring just how far Princess wants to go. Her first start showed great late kick and that last race she showed unexpected speed out of the gate. Regardless, she has a lot of learning to do,  but we’ve seen enough potential and brilliance from her to know she’ll get there.

Princess had a couple setbacks this Summer including a virus which had her coughing quite a bit and also a minor injury preventing her from making a scheduled start on Woodbine Mile Day (how cool it would’ve been to run the same card as Tepin!).  While she continues to grow rapidly, Team John Ross is doing the right thing giving her the winter to mature.  We all know she is a special filly and we will give her all our patience as we look forward to her three-year-old season.

For now she continues to gallop on the daily with exercise rider Josh, whom she seems to be gelling quite well with!

Princess + Josh:

 

Good morning from Josh + moi! Thank you to the lovely @kailacola for the snap!

A photo posted by Princess (@apicbymrwill) on Sep 29, 2016 at 6:20am PDT

Having some Mickey D’s!!!

A photo posted by Princess (@apicbymrwill) on Sep 30, 2016 at 5:54pm PDT

A lovely portrait by the v. talented Emily Shields:

Thank you so much Ms. Emily for the beautiful portrait! Have fun in Toronto!!

A photo posted by Princess (@apicbymrwill) on Oct 5, 2016 at 9:38pm PDT

Let’s go #BlueJays!!

A photo posted by Princess (@apicbymrwill) on Oct 2, 2016 at 3:50pm PDT

Her fave:

Guys! I’m all better and start training again soon!! So proud of Lokinforpursemonee who ran so great today!! Champ!

A photo posted by Princess (@apicbymrwill) on Sep 25, 2016 at 5:39pm PDT

Decisions still are being made whether she will winter locally or head down to Florida, so we’ll be spending as much time with Princess over the next little while as we’ll miss her!

Along the way we’ve had so much fun cheering on Team John Ross, who have had a phenomenal season so far with triple-winner CLASSYSHADESOFGREY, stakes-placed RAGLAN ROAD and stakes winners R U WATCHINGBUD, ULTRAFLAME and LOKINFORPURSEMONEE, the latter who has stamped himself one of the top two-year-olds in the country.

We thank everyone including jockey Sheena Ryan who has been with Princess  from the start and all of our PICsies/Pritches (however spicy you are!) for all your support.  We are touched by all your encouragement and won’t let you down next year!

 

Julie

 

Sienna

 

Jen, Siobhán, Genevieve and Justin

 

With Great Godpa and Godma:

 
Uncle Joe

 
Princess’ real-life sis Lindsay Ross

#woodbineracetrack kissing the Princess at #jrracing stables

A photo posted by Lindsay Ross (@lindsayross2000) on Sep 25, 2016 at 6:11pm PDT

 

Princess + Vernon:

 

Princess + George:

 

Princess, Chloe + Katya:

 

Princess, Max + Ally:

 

Follow A PIC BY MRWILL on Instagram and Twitter!

 

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

A PIC BY MRWILL woodbine

Although this latest edition of Princess Diaries comes a bit sooner than imagined, our girl A PIC BY MRWILL is back! We were so touched by all the support Princess got from Racing Fans and Handicappers alike once again being bet-down as the post-time favourite in her second start early July.

We let you down and we are sorry. We still love you and hope you haven’t stopped loving us.

We admit like you we were a bit baffled by that last race where she was a bit more forwardly-placed, only to fade in the stretch especially after her first race and workout tab showed so much promise. Since then, she’s had a month to regroup. We’ve seen her focus on distance with her longest workout to date yet at six furlongs.  She’s also been going on her two-mile jogs and we hear she is a “monster” and full of power on those.

Team John Ross, who have been having an amazing season with stable stars like R U Watchingbud, Ultraflame and top two-year-olds Raglan Road and Lokinforpursemonee (also, wait till they unveil the promising Cool Catomine!) have patiently been handling Princess and figuring her out.  Rest assured, we still believe in her and love her very much.  Her tall and strong physiology suggest she will appreciate added distance and this is exactly what she’ll get in her third lifetime start on Friday, August 5, 2016 at Woodbine.

Otherwise, in addition to a professional training regimen, we’ve been there to give her lots of support and love with kisses, apples and mini carrots – no candies for now though till she applies herself a bit more, but we leave this at her Handler Basil‘s discretion should he feels it’s warranted!  Cathy (her Mom) and I have been firm about this.

I also ordered her a brand-new halter from wonderful Fincham’s Harness Shop in Nobleton.  She looks amazing in it and has taken to it rather well! New halter, change of luck? No one ever said Horse Racing wasn’t hokey!

The amount of support Princess has received from the Media including mentions in the Daily Racing Form, the Toronto Star, Woodbine‘s Social Media channels and more recently Down the Stretch (the publication by 680 News’ Peter Gross) is a true testament in the public’s interest in her story and I am so proud of her no matter her order of finish Friday.  In case you haven’t read the piece in Down the Stretch, you may click here to read more.

 We appreciate all your encouragement and hope to see you there Friday at Woodbine or in-spirit!

#PrincessPower ☇

Princess’ Dad John helping her put on her blinkers

Racing fans scoping out Princess in her second race early July

Princess down the stretch

Basil giving Princess a cool bath

Princess‘ Mom Cathy helping her put on her new halter

Princess and her Teddy

Princess + I giving each other a needed pick-me-up

My little Disney Princess! Thank you Sheri (@GoFilly) + Sienna!

Of course, Princess is all about POKEMON GO too!

It’s true. Shhh. #CatchMeIfYouCan #PokemonGo

A photo posted by Princess (@apicbymrwill) on Jul 30, 2016 at 4:31pm PDT

Gotta catch ’em all!!! Goddad finally let me use his phone!! #PokemonGo

A photo posted by Princess (@apicbymrwill) on Jul 23, 2016 at 10:17am PDT

Some Princess Snapchats! Too cute.

She was always meant to be a Disney Princess. Thanks Sheri and Sienna for this! #Disney

A video posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Aug 2, 2016 at 6:04am PDT

Race 1, Friday, August 5, 2016, Number 1. A PIC BY MRWILL.

Follow A PIC BY MRWILL on Social Media:

Twitter: @APICBYMRWILL

Instagram: @APICMYMRWILL

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Whaddya know? It’s Princess time!  Our girl A PIC BY MRWILL is ready for her second race after a promising debut early June at Woodbine where she finished strong at the ultra-short four-and-half furlong distance.  A bit more distance she asked for and a bit more she will get!

Team John Ross and I were so touched that the betting public and experts gave her a firm vote of confidence, making her the well-bet favourite that day. Thank you.

Thank you, #DRF for the support! Kisses.

A photo posted by Princess (@apicbymrwill) on Jun 3, 2016 at 11:45am PDT

We admit there was some growing to do, and the Team learned a few surprising things about her from that debut. It is always a bit disappointing when things don’t go as envisioned.  I was told by moments before the race that she wasn’t going to win because others had stronger workouts than her and also it was suggested that my going on about Princess was going to ruin her chances of winning. That aside, it is the outpour of support from the community following the race however that shone through. “Next time!”.  “She is beautiful!”. “She ran great!”. “The first race always is a toss-out for two-year-olds!”. These are comforting words I needed to hear and all in some way true. People are protective of our feelings and that did not go unappreciated.

My eldest brother John and Parents even came out –  without telling me – to support Princess, which I realized only after finding a $100 Win-Place ticket on my kitchen table when I got home. 😢

This past month Princess really has applied herself in her training on and off track.  Focus has gone into getting her acclimated with the paddock with her groom, the awesome Basil, so that she’s comfortable with her surroundings in the lead-up to the race. With her rider Sheena Ryan, she also has been working out of the starting gate to get ready for the next big day!

Be around for some exciting news later today, PICsies!

A photo posted by Princess (@apicbymrwill) on Jul 6, 2016 at 4:42am PDT

Back to work today. A nice light breeze today with sis, Saturday Dancer (right).

A photo posted by Princess (@apicbymrwill) on Jun 15, 2016 at 1:15pm PDT

The Clockers (individuals who time workouts) were talking at the annual pre-Queen’s Plate Trackside Breakfast, singling her out for a great show of gate speed in her recent workout on June 25th.  We love that our dear Dawn Lupul chimed-in that A Pic By MrWill actually is better known as Princess! 😄

It’s our job normally to publicize, so it is a challenge that often in this sport there’s a bit of hush-hush and fear of jinxes. Sorry, but we can’t help but get a little excited over this! We’re expecting a great turn of foot and are confident in her.

In addition to growing (she already is tall to begin with!) quickly with each visit, we see a bit more fire in Princess.  We admit she’s very sweet and almost pet-like, but at times but I worry this translates onto the track too. We’re loving that aggressiveness we’re seeing in her of late.  I mean, look at her reaction to a delicious Royal Gala apple for one.

Look what apples made me do.

A video posted by Princess (@apicbymrwill) on Jul 2, 2016 at 5:28am PDT

Remember how I said rainbow carrots were my fave? Wrong. APPLES.

A video posted by Princess (@apicbymrwill) on Jun 12, 2016 at 11:42am PDT

This past weekend’s Queen’s Plate was a huge deal for us. Check-out Princess in this gorgeous fascinator loaned by her mommy Cathy for the occasion, as she greet a group of Social Media influencers with great professionalism a couple weeks back.

Happy #QP16 PICsies!!

A photo posted by Princess (@apicbymrwill) on Jul 2, 2016 at 10:06pm PDT

So much fun partying with these guys Saturday and Gator! Miss u baes!! Come back soon!

A photo posted by Princess (@apicbymrwill) on Jun 27, 2016 at 7:32am PDT

Found myself the perfect #QueensPlate date, Gator!!! #QP16

A photo posted by Princess (@apicbymrwill) on Jun 26, 2016 at 6:47am PDT

And if you haven’t read it yet, here’s an amazing profile about us penned by one of the City’s greats, Shinan Govani, including a bit about Princess and I. We love that Princess’ story is extending beyond the racing community.

The print version appears in the Saturday, July 9th edition of the Toronto Star. If you’d like it personalized, please pick-up a copy, see me and I will do so!

 Princess (A PIC BY MRWILL) makes her second start at Woodbine Racetrack Saturday, July 9, 2016, race 5 at 3:05 PM EST.

Be there.  Let’s take a PIC!

If you aren’t already following our own little “Toronto star”, you can do so here:

See you Saturday.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

The 157th running of the Queen’s Plate was held today at Woodbine Racetrack, bringing together some stellar fields of horses leading up to the $1-million marquee moment, North America’s most historic thoroughbred horse race.  Winning in an upset victory this year was SIR DUDLEY DIGGES, owned by racing icons, Ken and Sarah Ramsey. Shipping-in from the U.S. the three-year-old Gio Ponti colt under jockey Julien Leparoux closed late furiously to claim the victory over favoured AMI’S GIZMO.

Won in a time of 2:04.09 for one and a quarter miles, SIR DUDLEY DIGGES won by half a length. Finishing third was ALL ON RED. The winner paid $33.90 to a $2 bet.

Ramsey, who has plans to continue bringing his business north, spoke at a media scrum following the race at Woodbine‘s Press Box, indicating his sights are set on winning the Canadian Triple Crown (Fort Erie‘s Prince of Wales Stakes, followed by Woodbine‘s Breeders’ Stakes). One of his former Queen’s Plate contenders WE MISS ARTIE now is standing in Ontario as a stallion and he has sent some mares up to be bred to him.

In addition, the amazing day of races featured wins by LEXIE LOU (former Horse of the Year and Queen’s Plate victress), DANISH DYNAFORMER (former Queen’s Plate candidate and winner of the Breeders’ Stakes), CONQUEST ENFORCER (originally considered for the Queen’s Plate) and PASSION FOR ACTION (a hard-knocking local sprinter). A filled grandstand and the thunderous roar of the crowd very much is telling that Horse Racing is still alive here in Canada!

Check out some of our highlights of the day including some of the headlining names at the first-ever Queen’s Plate concert including Hedley, The Strumbellas and Matthew Good.  We love the colourful fashion, the brilliant fascinators, the amazing food trucks, cocktails and festivity.  The Queen’s Plate outdid itself once again and it forever is our highlight of the Summer.

My #QP16 look

#QP16-ready with Billy, Princess (@apicbymrwill) + Mom. Separates: #RalphLauren. Tie: #TommyHilfiger. PorkPie and Sunglasses: #UrbanOutfitters. #QueensPlate #MensStyle

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 3, 2016 at 8:46am PDT

Showtime!

And it’s showtime! #QP16

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 3, 2016 at 9:31am PDT

The Paddock Party

Don’t forget to check out the Paddock Party! An Oasis! Today’s official hashtag is #QP16.

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 3, 2016 at 9:31am PDT

Food Trucks!

Food trucks! Food trucks! #QP16

A video posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 3, 2016 at 9:45am PDT

Buster’s Sea Cove’s Key Lime Pie In a Jar

Found my fave! Key Lime Pie.. in a jar from #BustersSeaCove! #QP16

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 3, 2016 at 9:49am PDT

#RethinkattheRaces

The official cocktail of #RethinkattheRaces, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Lemonade + Soda. #QP16

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 3, 2016 at 10:04am PDT

#FashionattheRaces with Bri Mott

Don’t forget to see @fashionattheraces at #QP16! Best-dressed contest coming right up!

A video posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 3, 2016 at 10:18am PDT

With Ray Paulick (The Paulick Report) and Yvonne Schwabe

With Ray Paulick (Paulick Report) + Owner/Breeder @Yschwabe. #QP16

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 3, 2016 at 10:38am PDT

Passion for Action wins the Highlander!

Go Team DePaulo, Benjamin Hutzel and Passion for Action who scored huge in the Highlander! #QP16

A video posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 3, 2016 at 11:02am PDT

Ryan Campbell, groom of Passion for Action

The taste of victory! Loved seeing #PassionforAction’s groom Ryan Campbell tasting that sweet success! #QP16

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 3, 2016 at 11:51am PDT

With Racing Ambassador Dan Tordjman and his father Max

With @danonymousracing and his dad Max! #QP16

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 3, 2016 at 11:55am PDT

Conquest Enforcer wins the Charlie Barley

When you are just a cut above the rest. #ConquestEnforcer smashed it again in the Charlie Barley! #QP16

A video posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 3, 2016 at 12:10pm PDT

Team Casse

Love Team #MarkCasse! A real exciting racing empire. Powerful score with #ConquestEnforcer earlier in the Charlie Barley. #QP16

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 3, 2016 at 12:20pm PDT

Fashionistas

Loving some of the fashion we’re seeing at #QP16. @geekigirl’s fascinator. 👏

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 3, 2016 at 11:58am PDT

Cute cute cute. #QP16

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 3, 2016 at 11:57am PDT

More #QP16 Cuties. Hi @nataliedeane!

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 3, 2016 at 12:12pm PDT

These girls are all sorts of YES! #QP16 Style done right.

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 3, 2016 at 12:18pm PDT

Woodbine’s Dawn Lupul

My hun @WoodbineDawn channeling rock goddess. #QP16

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 3, 2016 at 12:22pm PDT

Jackie Redmond of The Score

Hands down one of the best-dressed today! Gorgeous sports personality #JackieRedmond. #QP16

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 3, 2016 at 12:32pm PDT

Katie Lamb, Toronto Star (Trainer Mark Cassse picked her Fascinator!)

Katie Lamb (@katielamb) with a photobomb by the brilliant Lady Shipman. #QP16

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 3, 2016 at 12:23pm PDT

Alx Feliz performing the Anthem

#AlxFeliz performing the anthem. #QP16

A video posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 3, 2016 at 1:02pm PDT

The Hamilton Tigercats walk the Pink Carpet

So the #HamiltonTigercats showed up! #QP16

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 3, 2016 at 1:16pm PDT

The Social’s Melissa Grelo and The Strumbellas

#TheSocialCTV’s @MelissaGrelo with #TheStrumbellas! #QP16

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 3, 2016 at 1:24pm PDT

With #TheStrumbellas. #QP16

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 3, 2016 at 1:26pm PDT

Rethink Breast Cancer Ambassador Sarah Regan walks the Pink Carpet

#TheSocialCTV’s #CynthiaLoyst with Sarah Regan, Ambassador for #RethinkBreastCancer. #RethinkattheRaces #QP16

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 3, 2016 at 1:38pm PDT

Hedley walk the Pink Carpet

#Hedley have arrived! Our #QP16 Headliner!!

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 3, 2016 at 1:49pm PDT

With #JacobHoggard of #Hedley. The triple concert starts in an hour! #QP16

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 3, 2016 at 2:33pm PDT

Lexie Lou wins the Dance Smartly

Literally crying before thousands of people. The Queen reigns in the Dance Smartly. #QP16

A video posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 3, 2016 at 2:11pm PDT

Sir Dudley Digges wins the 2016 Queen’s Plate

#SirDudleyDigges wins the #QP16!

A video posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 3, 2016 at 3:08pm PDT

Winning jockey Julien Leparoux cools down in Press Box

Julien Leparoux cools down after his winning ride. #QP16

A video posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 3, 2016 at 3:17pm PDT

With winning owner of Sir Dudley Digges, Ken Ramsey and Trainer Mike Maker

With racing icon #KenRamsey and trainer #MichaelMaker who are in #QP16 with Sir Dudley Digges.

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 3, 2016 at 11:56am PDT

Matthew Good

Total festival vibe. #QP16

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 3, 2016 at 5:28pm PDT

Hedley

#Hedley hit the stage! @woodbineracing #QP16

A video posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 3, 2016 at 6:20pm PDT

That’s a wrap!

And that’s a wrap! Time for a breather. #QP16

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 3, 2016 at 3:17pm PDT

Missed the Queen’s Plate? There’s still a long season ahead filled with amazing racing!  We’ll see you at Woodbine!

We’d like to thank our official partners Ford Canada for making the Ford Fiesta our official car Canada Day/Queen’s Plate weekend and Hotel Novotel Mississauga Centre for being our official Queen’s Plate hotel!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

There’s just TWO days to go till the Queen’s Plate! Have you got your tickets yet? The 157th edition of North America’s most historic race takes place on Sunday, July 3, 2015 at Woodbine Racetrack. Canada’s top three-year-old horses compete for both glory and a shot at that $1-million purse money!

As announced prior, there will be three headlining acts following the race card including Hedley, Matthew Good and The Strumbellas! Alx Feliz will also be performing the National Anthem. The day will see no shortage of fashion, glamour and fun at the Hats & Horseshoes Party hosted by the hosts of CTV‘s The Social including Lainey Lui, Melissa Grelo, Traci Melchor and Cynthia Loyst! There will be plenty of amazing cocktails including the return of the signature cocktail of the Queen’s Plate, The Blue Diamond and amazing food trucks! With its summer festival vibe, the Queen’s Plate truly has it all.

Post positions were drawn and the field is looking highly competitive with 12 males and one female set to go to post on the big day. Let’s take a quick look at the contenders, organized by Post Position:

The field for the 157th running of the Queen’s Plate is set! #QP16

A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on Jun 29, 2016 at 7:34am PDT

What makes this year unique is that many of the contenders have taken an unconventional path to the Queen’s Plate.  ALL ON RED, ESPOSITO, SIR DUDLEY DIGGES and SCHOLAR ATHLETE  all come with strong credentials, preparing in the U.S.  The latter two have specialized on the turf, while the big race itself will be run on a synthetic dirt surface, newly installed at Woodbine this year called Tapeta.

Local faves are headed by AMIS GIZMO whom after an uncharacteristically poor race in the Wando Stakes earlier this year, bounced back to score authoritatively in the definitive prep race for the Queens Plate, the Plate Trial about three weeks ago.

SHAKHIMAT focused on turf racing with success in the U.S. earlier this year after being named champion two-year-old male of 2015 in Canada. He was second in the Plate Trial and his rider Emma-Jayne Wilson, the first ever Canadian female jockey to win the Queen’s Plate, will seek her second.

GAMBLE’S GHOST is from the same connections as AMIS GIZMO and suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the $500k Woodbine Oaks, the definitive race for three-year-old fillies in Canada. She will appreciate the added distance of the Queen’s Plate. Jockey Luis Contreras faced the tough decision of whom to ride, having been on board both. Patrick Husbands who won the 2014 edition of the Queen’s Plate on the filly Lexie Lou (she races in the Dance Smartly Stakes on Plate Day), picks-up the ride.

Big, eye-catching LEAVEM IN MALIBU is owned in part by Hollywood film producer Gary Barber and Conrad Farms, and trained by leading Mark Casse. His long strides and disposition suggest he will handle the Queen’s Plate distance well.

MIKE, an expensive purchase, comes highly-regarded and is rounding into form with each start.

The final entries will be known this time next week. Who is your Queen’s Plate pick?

There’s only a little bit of time left to buy your Queen’s Plate tickets. Do so here.

We expect to see you there in your best summer attire!

More details including directions, can be found here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Where has the time gone? It was a chilly day in February when we first met Princess and now we’re literally living in the Tropics! Would you believe that Princess (A PIC BY MRWILL) already is nearing her debut? More on that in a bit.

I have been making my weekly (sometimes more…) visits to see her and it is amazing seeing Princess come into her own not just as an athlete, but also an amazing young lady. Her demeanour has made her popular at the John Ross barn and I make a conscious effort to spoil her with her favourite organic rainbow carrots, peppermints and tons of playtime.  She has to know by now she’s special, right? Although all credit is due to John and his amazing Team, I am humbled to be a part of this even if in a tiny capacity.

A few weeks back, Princess did her first ever interview with Media Sovereign Award winner Alex Campbell (@AXCampbell1) for the Daily Racing Form and she handled herself like such a pro! Holding myself back from being jealous, I may have caught her cuddling-up to Alex after the interview.  Princess sure knows the power of good press and media manipulation. What a Celeb!

The piece has gone live and is here!

John hasn’t been his best of late, but is doing the right thing getting well and we all send him lots of love and positivity for a speedy recovery. The barn is extremely thrilled riding a high after a huge win on the weekend! Princess’ workmate and sis RAGLAN ROAD  (Victor’s Cry x Glaslyn, by Forestry) crushed it in her debut Saturday at Woodbine against open company! Although Raglan is the bigger of the two, Princess has matched strides with her in the morning and people on the backstretch have been paying attention.  Good things often come in pairs or threes, right?  Britney and Christina.  Lady Gaga and Katy Perry. Wando and Mobil. With Approval and Izvestia. Dance Smartly and Wilderness Song. I’m just saying…

We also want to congratulate one of our favourites, Horse of the Year and recent Grade II Nassau Stakes victress LEXIE LOU who began her path to stardom in the John Ross barn. We are in awe how she managed to escape at 12-1 odds (!), topped only by her victory at  an even bigger 17-1 odds in the 2013 Muskoka Stakes. We’re excited to see her step it up in a couple weeks as she’s likely to run in the Grade I Just a Game Stakes Belmont Stakes weekend. This is a true testament to the quality of Ontario’s breeding program with progeny of our stallions competing at a world-class level.

Fun fact: Did you know Princess was handed-down the same stall that housed both Lexie Lou and Brooklysway?

Alex, Princess + John

Raglan Road + Team Ross waving to John, watching from home

Lexie Lou

Working out the gate with her pal Sheena Ryan, Princess has been posting some real solid workouts in company.

Some of her recent works. A furlong is about 201 metres…

A photo posted by Princess (@apicbymrwill) on Apr 30, 2016 at 10:47am PDT

A photo posted by Princess (@apicbymrwill) on May 27, 2016 at 9:11am PDT

Some more Princessnaps:

Princess with my Parents (left) and my Aunts visiting from overseas. Their first time around a horse!

Princess training with Sheena and her sis Raglan Road, under Gary Boulanger

Special thanks to our friend, the lovely Ericka Rusnack (@ErickaRusnak) who captured this stunning shot of Princess and Sheena training with her other sis Saturday Dancer (under Steven Bahen) a few days ago!

Karl Lagerborg (@StallOfficeKarl) aka Racing’s “Uncle Karl” of the Woodbine Stall Office, brought the entire Scheduling Department to meet Princess, which she appreciated so much!

Princess being Princess

Also, Princess’ signature bangs are developing a Fan Club of their own, making her a bit of a fashion icon!! See some of her PICsies’  sweet Tweets! Thanks Bailey, Lynn and Maureen for your ‘bang-on’ support!

VIDEO: And now for a MAJOR announcement!

Princess Diaries: June 2016

Hay You! Be a PICsie too!

Follow Princess on Twitter and Instagram!

See you Saturday.  Race 3. Number 6. Let’s take a PIC!

(Photo [captured on the Nikon D3300] /video [captured on the Samsung S7] credit: Mr. Will Wong)

After a surprising announcement last November by Woodbine CEO Jim Lawson, we at long last get to see the fruits of both daring and precise planning. Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto today ran a first-of-its-kind EuroTurf Trial today before a sizable crowd of curious Horsepeople, Fans and Media mid-morning.

To those who don’t follow Horse Racing, thoroughbred races in North America traditionally are run counter-clockwise, unlike European, Australian and Asian racing.  To change it up a bit and invigorate a bit of intrigue in the Sport of Kings, Woodbine this Summer will host a series of approximately 40 races on its lush E.P. Taylor turf course in the opposite direction.  The first clockwise turf race as part of the EuroTurf series, is to take place Friday, June 10th.

After cautious maintenance over the winter, the turf course, among the top of its class in North America, is ready for racing with the season’s first official turf race (non-clockwise) carded for this Wednesday, May 18, 2016.

See today’s Trial race, won by Emma-Jayne Wilson aboard Hall of Famer Roger Attfield trainee INTERNAL BOURBON:

Post-race, Wilson compared her experience riding in Hong Kong to  EuroTurf.  See some Clips below:

See some Snaps from earlier today at the EuroTurf Preview:

Emma-Jayne Wilson

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

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)

A lot happens in a month and since our last installment of PRINCESS DIARIES, our girl A PIC BY MRWILL (aka “Princess“) has continued to amaze us! She keeps-up with her weekly workout regimen under jockey Sheena Ryan at Woodbine like a true professional.  Her Owner/Trainer John Ross and Cathy Wong, along with the team, are doing an amazing job getting her in top shape for her forthcoming first race.

Princess just keeps growing and growing and growing.  I quite literally have to reach-up for those kisses now and never have I felt shorter!

Can we brag for a moment that she along with her two stablemates Saturday Dancer and Raglan Road – also just babies – shared the fastest workout of the day last Wednesday for three furlongs?  We were floored!  In fact, we want to frame this! I’d equate the feeling to a parent seeing straight As on their child’s Report Card.  Yeah, I know it’s easy to get carried away as we know workouts many a time can be a false-positive to how a horse performs on race day, but we just can’t mask our excitement!

This girl (@apicbymrwill) continues to make me so proud. Fastest workout of the day. And she was just breezing! BOOM. I want you all there at @woodbineracing when she debuts!!

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Apr 20, 2016 at 11:24am PDT

Although I had my doubts that Princess was sold on me, we finally had that one bonding moment. She is quite the carrot connoisseur – baby carrots to be exact. Peppermints? Meh.  Please don’t tell anyone she ate a whole small bag of mini carrots by herself last week!!!  We like to play our own little game where I tickle her lips, which really gets her going!  After a bit of playtime, it was time to go and I got my confirmation that our love was mutual when she tried picking the lock on her stall when I told her ‘goodbye’. I turned into a pile of mush, all verklempt leaving the barn,  pretending to yawn so that those tears wouldn’t be so obvious to passersby.

Princess‘ lip is a bit sore right now, so we didn’t play our game this weekend as she just got her official lip tattoo and according to Cathy, this now makes her a legit racehorse!

Those of us who follow Woodbine on Social Media know and love our feline friend Gator Kitten (@gatorkitten), whose sassy Tweets are voiced by his mom (and our dear friend) Sarah Ritchie.  She is the assistant to three-time champion trainer Mark Frostad. After a winter in Florida, we were thrilled to see Gator and his mom on the backstretch again and we even threw a little party to celebrate Gator‘s homecoming and Princess‘ bullet workout! We coined it #GATORPRINCESSDAY and it was amazing to see Princess so smitten with the kitten.

The wonderful day was capped-off with her stablemate R U Watchingbud‘s huge score in the $125k New Providence Stakes at large odds under #emmazing Emma-Jayne Wilson!  One day prior, Brooklynsway, who used to occupy Princess‘ stall, ran huge to win the Grade III Doubledogdare Stakes at Keeneland against some top U.S. fillies! Never underestimate a John Ross trainee.

There is a new Team Ross member here for the summer, a student named Emily (below, in purple), who is taking great care of Princess.  She got a nice trim on the bangs from Emily, plus some braids, giving her that Cleopatra look. Love it!

See our Princess Video Diary for April 2016:

Princess Moments.

#GATORPRINCESSDAY

Princess + I support ONE LAST RACE, for the dignified retirement of racehorses. Donate here. Many celebrity racehorses like Lady Eli (whom we’re meeting next week!) and California Chrome also have joined the cause! Why don’t you?

Princess + Anna who was visiting from Lexington, Kentucky. She handles champion and soon-to-be millionairess Leigh Court for trainer Michael Stidham! We can only dream one day Princess will be anywhere near Leigh‘s level!

Princess (turquoise, under Sheena Ryan) and stablemate Saturday Dancer at work.

If you aren’t following Princess on Social Media yet, you may do so here:

A PIC BY MRWILL on Twitter
A PIC BY MRWILL on Instagram

See you back in May, PICsies!

Will you be there to cheer Princess on at Woodbine when she debuts later this year?

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

The 41st annual Sovereign Awards took place in Toronto tonight at Woodbine Racetrack, honouring champions in Canadian Horse Racing for the year 2015. This year’s theme was Hollywood, the Red Carpet complete with its own Hollywood sign, movie theme songs introducing winners and giant Oscar statues to greet guests.

Taking Horse of the Year honours this year was three-time honouree this evening Catch a Glimpse, who took the important Grade II Natalma Stakes last fall before going on winning the Grade I $1-million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Keeneland. The Mark Casse trainee owned by Michael James Ambler, Gary Barber and Windways Farm, also nabbed Outstanding Turf Female and Two Year Old Filly. It is a rarity that a horse as young as she wins Horse of the Year honours, making her accomplishment that much more impressive. Mark Casse himself would go on to win Outstanding Trainer a jaw-dropping eighth time, his daughter Camille accepting for him.

Eurico Da Silva won his third Outstanding Jockey title, noticeably emotional when watching a tribute for his late fan Alexandrea Tersigni, to whom he dedicated his 2015 season.

Frank Stronach and his Adena Springs also were notable winners taking Outstanding Breeder – they are based in Aurora, Ontario. Stronach Stables’ Queen’s Plate champion Shaman Ghost was honoured Outstanding Three Year Old Male.

Bear Stables’ Academic proved her popularity through Ontario and Western Canada, besting the boys in the Canadian Derby in addition to the prestigious Woodbine Oaks last year en route to a victory in the Outstanding Three Year Old Filly voting.

The ill-fated Miss Mischief shipped in from the U.S. last season to a couple significant stake wins including the Grade II Bessarabian Stakes. She won both Outstanding Older Female and Female Sprinter.  The speedy filly had passed away over the winter after sustaining an injury.

Sam-Son Farm would go on to win Outstanding Owner, with Rick Balaz accepting. He acknowledged his children Mike and Lisa Balaz as being the future of the legacied stable, thanking the large team who help with operations.

Other major winners tonight included Interpol for Outstanding Turf Male, Are You Kidding Me for Outstanding Older Horse and Riker for Outstanding Two Year Old Male.

For a complete list of winners, click here.

See our Snap Reel from the festivities tonight!

Some Snaps from the night:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)