#HORSERACING: “SAY THE WORD” AND “ETOILE” TAKE PAIR OF GRADE I RACES AT WOODBINE

It was an action-packed day filled with stakes action at Woodbine Racetrack yesterday in what was the final major stakes race card of the season in 2020. The day featured four stakes races, including two Grade I races, the $340,200 Northern Dancer Stakes and also the $600k E.P. Taylor Stakes. A bit of history, Northern Dancer, whom the former race was named after, went on to become one of the world’s most prolific stallions, making his mark internationally as the first Canadian-bred horse to win the Kentucky Derby. He was owned by Windfields Farms, then situated in Oshawa at the time, which was founded by E.P. Taylor. Woodbine‘s world-famous turf course is named after the accomplished Taylor.

Over $6.7 million was wagered on the Sunday race card, once again proving that Woodbine‘s quality brand of racing continues to flourish throughout this Pandemic as American audiences continue to wager north. With the Ontario Government’s announcement of a modified rollback to Re-Opening Stage II, the Track remains closed to the public and is open only for Trainers, Essential Equine Careworkers and select Media.

The headliner E.P. Taylor Stakes was taken by Chad Brown trainee ETOILE, a four-year-old French-bred filly by popular stallion Siyouni and owned by a partnership of Brant, Magnier and Shanahan. The win, piloted by Rafael Hernandez, was her first stakes win on this side of the Atlantic, rewarding her backers with $7.00 on a $2.00 bet as the second choice. Fun fact, her sire is a half-brother to Siyouma whom won this same race in 2012. 41-1 longshot COURT RETURN finished second, ahead of SECRET MESSAGE, who we confirmed was making her final start before being sold at auction as a broodmare prospect.

The Northern Dancer Stakes was taken by Sam-Son Farm homebred SAY THE WORD, who has seen a dramatic improvement in form since changing hands to Trainer Gail Cox. The five-year-old More Than Ready gelding trailed the field and made a bid late to win by a length under Emma-Jayne Wilson, paying $7.80 on a $2.00 bet. Second was SIR SAHIB, owned by Stronach Stables which had a successful three wins at Woodbine this weekend. Third was race favourite Admiralty Pier.

The day reached an emotional high note in the Grade II Nearctic Stakes with Stronach Stables’ SILENT POET taking the $290k turf sprint as the race favourite, under Justin Stein. In second was last year’s victor CITY BOY and third was Graham Motion-trained invader KANTHAKA. Stein on the way to the Winner’s Circle made humbling pointing gestures to the talented four-year-old Silent Name gelding, who has stamped himself the best turf sprinter in the country right now with the score for Trainer Nick Gonzalez. The Conditioner recently had lost his wife and former Assistant Trainer, Martha. Tears could be witnessed as he attributed the win to Martha watching over him and his Team, including current Assistant Trainer Pam O’Connor. Silent Poet‘s groom Phil Hyde also recently lost his mother, hence emotions were high among the bunch who have been through some challenging times this year. Following the race, they all walked back to the barn together united in memory of Martha.

Promising two-year-old colt HELIUM took the $100k Display Stakes. The son of Ironicus, owned by D.J. Stable LLC and trained by Mark Casse swept to the lead at the top of the stretch under Emma-Jayne Wilson to win by just over four lengths as the race favorite, returning $4.80 on a $2.00 bet. Finishing second was GOSPEL WAY, just ahead of DECIMATOR. Team Casse had a fantastic weekend at Woodbine, winning an outstanding eight races!

The third and final jewel of Canada’s Triple Crown, the Breeders’ Stakes, will be contested Saturday, October 25, 2020 at Woodbine! Stay tuned to see if the “one-eyed wonder” MIGHTY HEART will become only the 13th horse to accomplish the feat! Stream the Post Position Draw this Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at noon on Woobdine.com.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#HORSERACING: “MIGHTY HEART” TAKES 2020 PRINCE OF WALES STAKES

Following-up on this success of his victory in the Queen’s Plate “one-eyed wonder” MIGHTY HEART repeated the feat in the second leg of Canada’s Triple Crown, the $400k Prince of Wales Stakes at Fort Erie Racetrack today!

Unlike his wire-to-win earlier this month at Woodbine, Jockey Daisuke Fukumoto had the Dramedy colt, owned and bred by Larry Cordes, rate off the pace today before collaring rival CLAYTON who stalked the lead, at the top of the stretch. The final time for the race was 1:55.5, more than two seconds off the track record for 1 3/16 miles. The betting public bet him down as the favourite at $0.85 to the dollar, rewarding his backers with $3.70 per two-dollar wager. CLAYTON finished second under Rafael Hernandez and DOTTED LINE completed the top three under Justin Stein.

Trainer Josie Carroll, whom last took the Prince of Wales Stakes in 2016 with Amis Gizmo, continues to have a prolific 2020 season. She is poised to take the third and final leg of the Triple Crown with MIGHTY HEART, the race to be contested at 1 1/2 miles on the E.P. Taylor turf course at Woodbine on October 24, 2020. His only attempt on the grass in March at Fair Grounds in New Orleans, resulted in a tenth place finish, although he has improved drastically since then.

See the race here:

Queen’s Plate winner MIGHTY HEART was much the best while taking the Prince of Wales Stakes at Fort Erie.

Mighty Heart is now two-thirds of the way towards Canadian Triple Crown glory. pic.twitter.com/09fbFweqef

— TVG (@TVG) September 29, 2020

A Carousel of images from MIGHTY HEART’S win:

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Congrats to the one-eyed wonder #MIGHTYHEART who took the second leg of Canada’s Triple Crown, the Prince of Wales Stakes under Daisuke Fukumoto, for Larry Cordes and Team Josie Carroll! So thrilled to see the Queen’s Plate winner’s story progress. He is the hero racing needs right now! Thank you @forterieracetrack for entrusting us with amazing access, while ensuring we remained safe! #PW20 #HorseRacing #FortErie

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 29, 2020 at 4:54pm PDT

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#HORSERACING: PRINCE x PRINCESS DIARY – OCTOBER 2020

It’s crunch time! With just a couple months left in the 2020 racing season at Woodbine, the opportunities to win are numbered and we found a gem of an opportunity for William (MR WILL)!

After a gruelling speed duel in his last race on September 13, 2020 at Woodbine, he hung-on to get fourth, bringing home a hard-earned paycheque. He battled through fractions of 22, 44.4, 57.4 pressured the entire way before giving way late.

See the race:

We’re thrilled to see MR WILL back at it in his fourth try Friday, October 2, 2020 at Woodbine, Race 1. He will be ready to fire!

In preparation for the race, he put in a sharp breeze the other day and he looks ready to go again!

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A post shared by MrWillTheHorse (@mrwillthehorse) on Sep 25, 2020 at 8:34am PDT

Some Snaps from William‘s last race:

Don’t forget to tune-in and wager!

On the Princess (A Pic by Mrwill) front, we hear she’s doing quite well per her Mom Emily Fisher. As she’s lived indoors much of her life, getting used to the outdoors has taken a bit of time to get used to but she’s definitely begun to take a liking to it and she’s putting on a bit of weight again. Love it!

Congrats to Emily who recently acquired track veteran Cummings Road as an addition to Princess‘ family. The war horse won 11 races in his career and over $320k! We hope to pop by for a visit soon!

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

#HORSRACING: “STARSHIP JUBILEE” SCORES IN THE THE 2020 RICOH WOODBINE MILE

One of the the Canadian racing season’s biggest highlights is RICOH WOODBINE MILE weekend, featuring three Win and You’re In stakes races, which earn winners a berth at the sport’s championship weekend, the Breeders’ Cup. Betting on Mile Satuday tallied-in at a whopping $11.8 million.

Bringing it home for the locals this year was super-mare STARSHIP JUBLIEE who continues to be a dream claim for Trainer Kevin Attard, notching his first win in the $1-million Ricoh Woodbine Mile in his first ever attempt. The seven-year-old mare by Indy Wind was a $16,000 claim in Florida with the helpful eye of Attard‘s father Tino, back in 2017 and with her win in the Mile, took her lifetime earnings past the $2-million mark. In addition to beating her male counterparts, Canada’s reigning Horse of the Year solidified her case for another shot at the title at next year’s 46th edition of the Sovereign Awards, honouring Canada’s best in racing. Justin Stein was aboard for the win for Blue Heaven Farm, winning by a margin of one length over Mark Casse Trainee MARCH TO THE ARCH in a time of 1:32.06, less than a second off the track record set back in 2013 in the same race by Wise Dan.

Female talent were front-and-center on Mile Saturday. In addition to STARSHIP JUBILEE beating the boys, female Trainers Gail Cox and Breeda Hayes also nabbed stakes scores, in addition to Jockeys Sheena Ryan and Emma-Jayne Wilson.

Some snaps below of the joyous festivities.

MARCH TO THE ARCH ran a very credible second for Casse and Live Oak Plantation, under Patrick Husbands.

Favoured WAR OF WILL, winner of the 2019 Preakness Stakes and the 2020 Maker’s Mark Mile finishes a solid third for Casse and Owner Gary Barber.

Also on the card was the $125k Singspiel Stakes, taken by Sam-Son Farm‘s COUNT AGAIN. The five-year-old gelding scored in a 9-1 upset under Luis Contreras, for Trainer Gail Cox.

CREDIT RIVER scored a 41-1 upset in the $135k Ontario Racing Stakes for Trainer Breeda Hayes and Owner Hillsbrook Farms. Emma-Jayne Wilson piloted the sweeping score.

4-1 shot DIRTY DANGLE, a two-year-old daughter of Not This Time, won the $135k Woodbine Cares Stakes under Sheena Ryan for C. DeMizio & Mary Biamonte and Trainer Ralph Biamonte.

Stakes action continued Sunday with the Grade I Summer and Natalma Stakes. Winners from each race will be guaranteed a spot in the Breeders’ Cup.

Woodbine-based GRETZKY THE GREAT, a son of Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist and namesake of Canada’s great hockey icon, took the $300k Grade I Summer Stakes under Kazushi Kimura for Owners Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners & Gary Barber and Trainer Mark Casse.

Roger Attfield Trainee LADY SPEIGHTSPEARE was simply unstoppable under Emma-Jayne Wilson, who capped-off her fantastic weekend with a score in the $300k Grade I Natalma Stakes for Owner Charles Fipke.

Some additional Snaps!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#HORSERACING: A PIC BY MRWILL & MR WILL’S PRINCESS AND PRINCE DIARY – SEPTEMBER 2020

He’s back! Just after the anniversary of his being purchased by Michelle Love at the CTHS Premier Yearling Sale in 2018, our William (MR WILL) is scheduled to make his third start ever at Woodbine Racetrack this Sunday, September 13, 2020, race 8, approximately 4:40 PM ET. Princess (A PIC BY MRWILL) also went through that same sale in 2015!

We hope our friends all got what they wanted at this year’s sale. Can’t wait to see new talent at the track next year!

While William‘s last race was disappointing, it was not without reason. After a bit of bumping and being forced wide, he decided to pack it in after stepping-up a bit in class against tougher competition. The top-two finishers were well-meant, so we have absolutely no hard feelings about it. Mr Will returned to his barn full of fire and ready to attack, knowing he was capable of more. He also had a cut on his now-healed hock. Understandably, all these challenges combined made for a less than stellar effort.

Since then, he’s posted a couple breezes in the morning. A couple weeks ago, he went with a horse from Nicholas Gonzalez‘s barn who ran last Sunday in a tough Allowance race and lost narrowly in a multi-horse photo finish to get fourth, so that bodes well. He also did a little tune-up a few days back and Michelle tells us he galloped out strongly. Hoping this confidence transfers to the track in this next race as his first race was so solid and promising. He was meant to run last week although the race didn’t fill completely, so here’s his chance.

I was so happy to be able to see him in-person again in his last race. The last time I saw him was March. Rest assured, I came armed with goodies – he only loves Peppermints (trust me, he’s rejected fancy horsey biscuits from me) – and a stuffie for him. He may be growing-up quickly but he’s still my little boy. You can bet I’ll be there to show him my support!

Some snaps I got of him:

A huge congrats goes to Michelle, who notched her first stakes-placing Sunday in the $250k Simcoe Stakes with Took a Wrong Turn! The talented young man by sire Souper Speedy got third, confirming the potential she saw in him!

We also caught-up with Princess for the first time since the Pandemic started. So happy to see her adjusting to life at her new home with her Mom Emily Fisher. She is so lucky to live in such a beautiful space, with plenty of room to run. As she’s spent much of her life living indoors and recovering in a stall, this change has taken a bit of getting used to. For one, she’s very used to being socialized around people hence admittedly is a bit of a ‘loner’ when it comes to playing with her new sisters who have all gotten acquainted with one another over the years. She will get there and we can confirm, she still LOVES to eat, knowing exactly what ensues when she gets a visit from me! Have missed her so much. Best of luck to Emily and Lakeside Retreat as they embark on their Eventing career together.

Some snaps. And yes, she still does that adorable thing with her front legs when she eats.

Wish us luck! Thanks for all your continued interest and support!

We hope it isn’t long before you are able to be back at Woodbine too and also that you have fun enjoying the Queen’s Plate from home!

Don’t forget to follow Princess and William!

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

#HORSERACING: RETURNING TO WOODBINE RACETRACK IN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Super Saturday definitely wasn’t a lie. It was the best Saturday we’ve had all year.

While the public still is enjoying the Woodbine Racetrack‘s world-class racing online and on television, Stage III in Ontario’s reopening has signaled the green light for local media now to return to the races. I was delighted to return to the races once again, which has been my favourite pastime since I was three years old. It’s been a tough 2020, made tougher by not being able to see our friends and favourite athletes. But truly, my grievances aren’t unlike anyone else’s. I am fortunate to be healthy and glad nobody in my circle has fallen ill. I am happy to be well enough to write this post, you lucky to be well and reading along. Without health, we have nothing.

The stage is rather different this time around. Visits to the races now require at least 24 hours’ registration. The day of the visit, an online health check is to be completed prior to arrival. When arriving, our temperature is taken and our name is verified on a list of approved visitors. As of today, owners with horses racing are permitted to bring a guest who like them go through screening, but are to leave after the race. Even if they have multiple horses running on the card, they are to leave between races. Prior to this weekend media, other than TSN and their Thursday Racing Night Live broadcast, were not allowed on premises.

My temperature reads 97°F. I ask the Security Guard, what temperature exactly is deemed inadmissible. “If you are over 100°F, we will not allow you in”, she informs me. I gain a bit of wisdom and move along.

I make my way to the Trackside Apron, one of the areas we are permitted to be. The E.P. Taylor Turf Course is as beautiful and manicured as I remember. Several canopies are set-up to provide Owners, Grooms and Trainers some relief from the relentless sun. Track Announcer Robert Geller‘s crisp timbre Brit-Aussie accent can be heard throughout the speakers. It’s a site that’s fondly-familiar other than bits of weeds peeking through cracks on the pavement. At once, it is an odd view with new things situated where they weren’t before. This certainly is a far cry from the festive atmosphere we see on Queen’s Plate Day – a grandstand filled with fans in fascinators and suits, cheers erupting as the horses thunder down the stretch. Part of me is so happy to be back, but part of me also is terrified.

Like myself, others around me are super-cautious of our face coverings slipping out of place. As the humid afternoon progresses, I admit it is difficult to breathe at times. My “new normal” at home consists of daily hour-long walks to avoid putting-on an extra “Covid-20”. On my walks, I wear a face covering, stopping occasionally for groceries or something at the drug store. Other than a couple Zoom chats with friends, that’s been the extent of my human interaction. I am working at home comfortably in air conditioning, where navigating a mask is just an afterthought. Track Workers, Hotwalkers, Grooms and Trainers are required to wear these all day long. And it is the responsibility of Woodbine‘s Security and Operations staff to ensure that everyone is in compliance. The rule is enforced with great diligence. This is for our safety and understandably, there is a learning curve in our new normal. The occasional nose exposed quickly is corrected when pointed-out. Commuting to and attending the races before rarely warranted second-guessing ourselves. Our new normal now involves bringing a back-up face covering and extra sanitizer even though there are plenty of dispensers at Woodbine; we sanitize our hands obsessively; we try not to grab the bus pole or door handles; and we are concerned when someone on the bus ride to the races isn’t wearing a mask or if someone is sitting or standing too close. We see friends at the track we haven’t seen in a long time and by instinct want to give them a hug, before correcting ourselves and offering an “air hug”. All it takes is one person to be in contact with one person who has been infected.

There are no guarantees and we can only do our best to ensure we stay safe. That being said, we are grateful to be doing again what we love so much, bringing the community and fans together with our content and photos, even if on a more limited scale and from further vantage points.

Budweiser Woodbine Oaks Day was certainly the day to come back to the track with a card loaded with five of the meet’s most important stakes: the Grade II Dance Smartly; Grade III Bold Venture; Grade II King Edward; official Queen’s Plate prep race the Plate Trial; and the titular stakes which sees the best Canadian-foaled three-year-old fillies vie for $500k. Many a winner of the latter have also gone-on to beat their male counterparts in the $1-million Queen’s Plate, which traditionally is contested in July but takes an altered course amidst the Pandemic to be contested next month.

Some snaps from the day below, including a fantastic day for Woodbine‘s leading rider Rafael Hernandez (Twitter: @HernandezRafii) taking four races, three of those stakes scores. One interesting thing about U.S. border and quarantine restrictions is that we saw members of our jockey colony take all five Super Saturday stakes – a big win for the locals. We are used to seeing American-based jockeys invade and sweep.