Anyone who knows me knows exactly where to find me on weekends. I’ve been going to Woodbine Racetrack pretty much every weekend since Childhood – something that surprises many. My Saturdays and Sundays were spent accompanying Mom & Dad at the Races and as odd as it sounds, it was our Family thing. Instead of doing Homework, I’d study the Daily Racing Form and the Racing Journal. And while other Kids my age were playing Video Games and watching Saved by the Bell, I was analyzing Bloodlines and Pedigrees, concocting imaginary Champions in my mind if one day I were to have millions and build my own Stable.
After taking a break through a stretch of the 2000s, I found myself missing the Sport v. much, occasionally keeping-track from afar. My Brother and I occasionally would update each other on the status of our Virtual Stables. Of course, his always was doing better!
Visits to the Races often were limited to occasional Family Dinners at the Track’s amazing Buffet. It was $7.3-million-earning Superfilly Zenyatta who got me back into the Sport about four years ago, giving me someone to root for and thanks in due part also to my Buddy Keith who created popular Racing Blog TRIPLE DEAD HEAT, I’ve fallen in love with the Sport all over again. I love bringing my Friends to the Races and some of them have walked away winning a pretty chunk of cash!
Of course, I don’t want to give the impression that I’m in it for the money – I’m more of a $2 Bettor myself to be honest. My day at the Races gives me that much-needed pick-me-up and a recharge as more often than not, I find myself drowning in work whether it be my Office Job or my Blog. Woodbine gives me that bit of an escape I need. And because it’s something so dear to my heart, there is something comforting about it that connects me to the Person I was growing-up.
With the 2013 Racing Season at Woodbine just having concluded last week, I find myself looking through the thousands of Photos I’ve taken throughout the year and reminiscing. As unconventional as it sounds, photographing Horses has made me a better Photographer in general, skills I can apply towards the Celeb-centric Photography I do on my Site. As always is the case, I’m at a loss what to do on weekends for the next four months as our Equine Friends get their much-deserved Winter breaks at the Farm or training down south. We truly are spoiled at Woodbine, getting to see World Class talent throughout the year in addition to the prestigious Queen’s Plate (July) and Pattison Canadian International (October).
I thought I’d share with you some of the Snaps I’ve taken of these gorgeous, talented Animals and Key Personalities in the Sport! Horse Racing as you will see, is a v. visual Sport – full of colour, flare and spirit. Even when you lose a bet, it’s hard not to be happy for the Winners as their passion is infectious. Behind every Horse is an intricate Team whom help craft that Success Story.
I love my Horses. But please keep that a secret from Billy though… we’ll keep him thinking Pups are #1!
See some of my Snaps below in this fast-paced Video Retrospective:
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong | Audio content: Universal Music)
History was made as the World came to Woodbine Racetrack today for the 76th running of the Pattison Canadian International. The Grade I Race valued at $1-million, is known best as the Race in which legendary Secretariat won in 1973, prior to closing-out his Championship three-year-old Season.
Already a feat having won the mile-and-a-half Turf Race twice, Irish-bred Joshua Tree became the first-ever Horse to win the prestigious Affair three times under Jockey Ryan Moore, who guided him to a three-quarter-length victory over American-based Hyper and German-based Seismos in third. The final time for the Race was 2:35.4 over a course listed as Yielding after Woodbine‘s grass course was soaked by rainfall yesterday – a condition which favours European Invaders. Joshua Tree paid $15.30 to a $2 bet and today’s win boosted his lifetime earnings past the $3.8-million mark for Owners Khalid K. al Nabooda & Kamel Albahou, a task which seemed unlikely after the six-year-old Son of Montjeu had gone winless all 2013.
Watch the 2013 Pattison Canadian International here:
Earlier on the Card, the Grade I-E.P. Taylor was run, a restricted Affair for Fillies and Mares valued at $500k. Although based in Europe for much of her earlier career, Tannery has found much success here in North America including a second-place finish in the Flower Bowl Invitational last month at New York’s Belmont Park. The four-year-old Daughter of Dylan Thomas, owned by Richard Santulli, gamely battled her way to hard-fought victory by a head over European-based Fitful Skies. She was ridden by 2013 Kentucky Derby-winning Jockey Joel Rosario, paying $6.00 to a $2 bet as the post-time Favourite. Moment in Time was about two-and-a-half lengths back in third.
Watch the 2013 E.P. Taylor Stakes here:
I had the pleasure of hosting a group of Social Media Influencers at Woodbine today and needless to say we have a new batch of Horse Racing Fans as we had a blast seeing the talented Animals up-close and also getting a couple Photo Ops with the winning Riders of both the E.P. Taylor Stakes and Pattison Canadian International! The free Commemorative Scarves in celebration of the Event also were an amazing touch and thousands queued for theirs!
See these happy faces below:
Social Media Influencers with Joel Rosario
Although these are the final Marquee Races of the 2013 Woodbine Racing season, the Races continue up till mid-December so if you haven’t had a chance to enjoy a day at the Track yet this year, there’s still plenty of time!
For more Photos, see some of my Trackside Snaps today here at Woodbine‘s Official Facebook Page.
One of our Guests Trish Cassling was kind enough to post her Photos for us to enjoy here also!
Renee Sylvestre-Williams of Global News also posted some Snaps on her Blog too here!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Video credit: Woodbine Entertainment Group)
The World truly comes to Woodbine Racetrack this Sunday for the 76th running of the Pattison Canadian International, bringing together a Field of international Turf Stars for a lofty $1-million purse. The prestigious Affair is known best as the Race which legendary Secretariat won before retiring in his 1973 Championship Season. Jockeys, Trainers, Owners and Horses alike have flown-in for the occasion and earlier on the Card too is the $500k E.P. Taylor Stakes, a restricted Fixture for top-tier Fillies and Mares on the grass.
IndyCar Series Driver James Hinchcliffe partook in the festivities taking-on Drawmaster duties earlier today at Woodbine Racetrack as Post Positions were drawn for both Races.
The Fields for each Race are below:
The $500k E.P. Taylor Stakes (GRADE I) – 4:38 PM EST
1 No Explaining
2 Colonial Flag
3 Irish Mission
4 Minakshi
5 Moment In Time
6 Nancy O
7 Fitful Skies
8 Samba Brazil
9 Moment of Majesty
10 Tannery
Representing Woodbine are Irish Mission (who also is entered in the Pattison Canadian International, although more likely to race in the latter against the Boys), Moment of Majesty, No Explaining and Nancy O, who is trained by our dear friend Carolyn Costigan of Arravale Racing.
The French Filly Minakshi won a major prep race for this, the Canadian Handicap in September at Woodbine, just ahead of American-invader Colonial Flag who has had great luck locally in the past when shipping-in. Formerly European-based, Tannery looks real tough after racing well among difficult company in New York recently including a narrow loss in the Grade I Flower Bowl Invitational in late September.
The $1 million Pattison Canadian International Stakes (GRADE I) – 5:45 PM EST
1 Hyper
2 Temeraine
3 Lucayan
4 Perfect Timber
5 Joshua Tree
6 Stormy Len
7 Now We Can
8 Forte Dei Marmi
9 Seismos
10 Irish Mission
11 Slumber
Representing Woodbine this year are Perfect Timber and the Morning Line Choice, Forte Dei Marmi who is coming off three consecutive wins. A Victory in this Race would be a first for 73-year-old Hall of Fame Trainer Roger Attfield who surprisingly still has yet to win the Pattison Canadian International. As mentioned above, Irish Mission likely will be competing in this Race as the lone female Entrant.
American-based Slumber also is seen as a major Contender, coming in off a respectable fourth place finish in the Arlington Million in September. Hyper, who also is representing Team U.S.A., enters the Race off two big victories, including a win at Belmont Park in New York last month in the Grade II Bowling Green.
If you are planning to go, here are a couple useful links for you:
Equibase Entries for Sunday, October 27, 2013 at Woodbine.
A List of Contenders, including their Bios for the Pattison Canadian International on Woodbine‘s Official Page.
The Pattison Canadian International airs on Sportsnet 360 on Sunday, October 27, 2013 from 4:30-6:00 PM EST.
I’ll be out and about hosting a group of Influencers at Woodbine Racetrack on Sunday, so don’t be shy if you see me around!
(Photo credit: Michael Burns/Keith McCalmont)
Horse Racing lost one of its brightest Stars today as Nipissing tragically had to be euthanized after injuring her hind-left leg in what would be the final Race of her short but celebrated Career, the Wonder Where Stakes at Woodbine Racetrack. The three-year-old Filly in June had solidified herself as the leader of her Division after winning the important $500k Woodbine Oaks presented by Budweiser, before going on to compete as one of the Choices in the prestigious 154th running of the Queen’s Plate in July. That Race eventually was won by Midnight Aria.
I had the pleasure of seeing Nipissing race on multiple occasions and in what has been the most competitive Filly division in years, she always put in an honest effort, rarely disappointing. She kicked-off her Career last year going unbeaten in four races, including Canada’s top race for two-year-old Fillies, the Princess Elizabeth Stakes. Although she never got the titular recognition she deserved, she had the heart of a Champion, just like her Father, 2004 Queen’s Plate Winner Niigon. In any other year, Nipissing would have been named Champion and you would be hard-pressed to find any Racing Fan who would disagree.
I had the incredible fortune of visiting Nipissing at her Stable this Summer during a Backstretch Tour at Woodbine. That big, statuesque Filly had a commanding beauty, on her absolute best behaviour. “Can she have a mint?”, one Woman asked. Trainer Rachel Halden diplomatically declined the offer after milling about it for a quick moment. One could sense a deep maternal protectiveness she had for her Stable Star, especially with an important engagement like the Queen’s Plate on her itinerary. We learned also that Nipissing had been experiencing a rash, which carefully was tended to with a patch of white ointment on her problem area. She was big and strong – if you didn’t tell me that I was in the presence of Nipissing I would’ve mistaken her for a Colt.
It brought me to tears seeing the on-track Ambulance rush to tend to her as she was pulled-up early this afternoon after stalking the pace briefly. I saw a composed, but visibly worried Halden waiting on the turf to be transported over to Nipissing. I admit it upset me even more that before I could process what had happened everyone around me was already cheering for the next Winner. It breaks my heart every time a Horse suffers a life-threatening injury, but it hurts so much more to know it is a Horse for whom I hold a dear place. It is an unavoidable reality of the Sport and the one and only thing I dislike about Horse Racing.
My heart goes out to Halden, Nipissing‘s Rider Steven Bahen and Owner, Chiefswood Stable. Take one quick glance at some of the Photos I’ve taken below of the prized Filly over the past year and you will see how they loved her like a Daughter. Let her be a reminder to all of us that while life is all too short, we must always aspire to be at our best in the little time we have here.
You will never be forgotten, dear Nipissing. You are adored by your many Fans and surely I am not the only one giving you a teary-eyed Farewell. You touched us with your courage, rewarding us with happiness and the thrill of hope.
xMr. Will
See some Photos I’ve taken of Nipissing (double-click to enlarge):
Fashion and fine Horses have come to define North America’s most historic Horse Race, the Queen’s Plate and Woodbine‘s Hats & Horseshoes Party was where it was at today as a large turnout came to support one of our greatest National Treasures. The 154th Queen’s Plate was run and in attendance was the Governor General of Canada, David Lloyd Johnston, honouring this year’s Winner Midnight Aria under a daring ride from Jockey Jesse Campbell. Owned by Tucci Stables and trained by Nicholas Gonzalez, the three-year-old Colt led wire-to-wire in what turned out to be perhaps one of the rainiest editions of the Queen’s Plate in recent memory. Despite the rain-filled afternoon, the Track was listed as being in Fast condition.
Completing the ten-furlong race in 2:04.72, Midnight Aria defeated a talented group of Male and Female Competitors including the Favourite Up With the Birds, who despite a furious late kick, still managed to be defeated by only half a length. In third was Dynamic Sky who just last month won the Plate Trial Stakes, while that one’s Stablemate and Champion Two-Year-Old Filly of 2012 Spring in the Air, placed fourth. Overlooked in the betting, the Winner paid $35.20 to a $2.00 bet.
Originally from Chicago, Campbell relocated to Woodbine, where he now is based, gaining recognition for his aggressive on-the-pace riding style. He quickly has become a Leader on the Circuit and earlier on the Card he won another major race, the Dance Smartly Stakes, aboard Filly Solid Appeal. Meanwhile, top U.S. Jockey Joel Rosario, who just visited Toronto last month, won on the Undercard aboard favoured seven-year-old Gelding Forte Dei Marmi in the Singspiel Stakes.
I had a fantastic day mingling with some of the Beautiful People at the Grey Goose Lounge, while fitting in time to enjoy the races. Gotta love the official Queen’s Plate Cocktail, the Blue Diamond!
Watch Midnight Aria‘s stellar win below:
See some of my Snaps at Woodbine’s Official Facebook Page here.
If you haven’t ever attended a day of races at Woodbine Racetrack, several who attended for the first time today had nothing but raves. Check-out what People are saying on Twitter about the Queen’s Plate here and here!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
The v. finest in Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Racing were honoured tonight at Woodbine Racetrack, right in time for tomorrow’s 2013 Season Launch. This year marks the 38th edition of the Awards, recognizing remarkable talent in the Industry from Breeders to Journalists to Horses.
Winning tonight’s most prestigious Award was Champion Two-Year-Old Colt/Gelding, Uncaptured, owned by Oklahoma Oilman John C. Oxley and trained by Mark Casse. Until last week the now three-year-old Colt was seen as a major Kentucky Derby Contender and last season he won an impressive six out of seven races, including the Grade II Kentucky Jockey Club Cup Stakes and Grade III Iroquois Stakes back-to-back against some stiff competition in Kentucky. His Breeder, long-time veteran and former Football Player William D. Graham for the first time ever was awarded Breeder of the Year.
Double Winners tonight were Champion Three-Year-Old Filly and Turf Female, Irish Mission, who competed effectively against the Boys last Summer, even defeating them in the third leg of Canada’s Triple Crown, the Breeders’ Stakes. Roxy Gap, owned by the same Man who owns the Ottawa Senators, Eugene Melnyk, won both Older Female and Female Sprinter.
23-year-old Jockey Scott Williams, also the Son of Jockey Danny Williams, was awarded Apprentice Jockey handed to him by past Winner Robbie King Jr. And for a second year in-a-row, Luis Contreras won Jockey, with his two young Sons there to accept his Award from former Champion Sandy Hawley, causing laughter with their antics on-stage.
Trainer Mark Frostad, who trains Irish Mission, made a heartfelt plea during his Acceptance Speech, with a call to the Provincial Government to preserve and protect a Sport which for so many years has built a History and also a substantial amount of revenue for Ontario. Premier Kathleen Wynne has expressed willingness to help keep Horse Racing alive in Ontario and was given due credit by him. Meanwhile, Trainer Casse also expressed great relief he and his Wife will be able to enjoy the races which have been revived at Fort Erie Racetrack this season, already planning a trip to Niagara Falls this Summer!
I had an amazing time attending my first ever Sovereign Awards tonight and must admit it was a bit surreal that a few Jockeys recognized me and knew me by first name! An unforgettable experience being in the same room as Veterans in the spirit of this treasured Sport and also those aspiring to be in the Industry like Nastia Zemtsova, a young Woman and avid Horse Racing Fan hoping to become a Jockey, who won tickets to the Event.
Woodbine‘s 2013 Racing Season kicks-off tomorrow at 1:00 PM and runs through December 15, 2013.
Some Snaps from the Evening:
For more details on tonight’s Winners, click here.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Too exciting! Those of you who follow my Horse Racing Blog Posts will remember how passionate I was about pretty much the greatest Filly who ever existed, Zenyatta. The Superhorse retired with a phenomenal 20 Race Record of 19-1-0, and believe me her final Race in the $5-million 2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic was such a close one, giving it all her might against the Boys only to lose by a slight nose. While we’re waiting for her Babies to make it to the Track, we have her Sister to keep us plenty interested!
If History/Genetics should repeat itself, we have every reason to be super-excited for Zenyatta‘s Half-Sister Eblouissante (her name in French means “dazzling”), who just turned four-years-old recently, running brilliantly today at Santa Anita Park in California. The beautiful Filly originally was to run her second race last month but unfortunately had bumped her hip the day of that Race, resulting in the decision to give her a bit more time off.
She proved she was well worth the wait today, winning with a little bit of effort as the Heavy Favourite, silencing her v. few Disbelievers. Laying low at the back of the pack for much of the Race, she rallied late showing them who’s Boss to win by 1 1/4 lengths almost a full second quicker than in her Debut at Betfair Hollywood Park. By comparison though, Big Sister Zenyatta‘s first try at the popular distance of 1 1/16 miles, was a four full seconds quicker back in 2007.
Trainer John Shirreffs, who also handled Zenyatta, is hinting a step-up in class next time out in a Stakes Race, her first real test of ability. We soon will know just how great she truly is either mid-February or mid-March.
Watch the Race below (she’s #5):
I had the pleasure of meeting Corey Nakatani, Jockey of Eblouissante – or just Ebby as her Fans call her – back in 2011, as he treks out to Toronto’s Woodbine Racetrack a couple times a year for some of our bigger Races. Can’t wait to see him up north again this Season!
Become a Fan of Eblouissante here on Facebook!
(Photo credit: @SantaAnitaPark | Video credit: Los Angeles Times)
This breaks my heart. Woodbine‘s Pride and Joy Chantal Sutherland announced her v. sudden Retirement from Horse Racing today after an outstanding Career which saw her win the Sovereign Award for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey in Canada twice and almost becoming the first-ever Female Jockey to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic aboard Game on Dude last year.
Sutherland‘s popularity spread also South of the Border with spreads in Vanity Fair, Vogue and more recently she starred in HBO‘s ill-fated but acclaimed Series, Luck. She tells my dear Friend and esteemed Commentator Dawn Lupul following her final race today with mixed emotions, “In this Game you have to be all in it. There’s no half-way. I’m starting to be half-way and it doesn’t work that way. To be on-top and to be where I wanted to be – to be winning a lot of races… you have to be six, seven days a week and very, very committed.”.
After getting married earlier this year, Sutherland now is turning her focus to relaxing and hinted that she may train for a Triathalon. Spending time with her Sister in Ottawa also is going to be a reality soon as she looks forward to watching her Nephew and Niece grow-up.
Admittedly, after watching this Interview a few times, something tells me that we haven’t seen the last of Sutherland in the Irons and perhaps after she spends time away to regroup, she just might be back? I just don’t get the sense that this is over. It has been a tough year and to see her talk about how cruel the Sport can be, is just saddening.
Horse Racing just won’t be the same without Sutherland and she will be remembered for what she’s done to pave the way for other young Women in the Sport. Although there have been and will continue to be many wonderful Female Jockeys to come, there is and always will be only one Chantal Sutherland. A remarkable Woman.
Watch her Interview below:
I had the Honour of meeting Sutherland around this time last year. Read about my Moment here.
(Photo/video credit: Woodbine Entertainment Group)
On Sunday, September 16, 2012, world famous Woodbine Racetrack will be hosting the $1-million Woodbine Mile, bringing together some of the World’s finest Turf Horses in one heart-stopping race.
Woodbine Racetrack & Mr. Will Wong would like to invite Readers to come out and party at the Track and there will be plenty of $25 Gift Cards to go around for Readers who show up on Woodbine Mile Day! One Reader will get to join Mr. Will up in the VIP Lounge for an afternoon of races, tons of Food and Drinks. Entrants must be of 19 years of age and provide their own transportation.
For more details on the Woodbine Mile and how to get to Woodbine (easily accessible by TTC or car), click here.
Simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook to qualify before Wednesday, September 12, 2012. See you there!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
For advertising opportunites please contact mrwill@mrwillwong.com