The 78th running of the Pattison Canadian International took place at Woodbine yesterday and despite the chill, fans came out in crowds to see the thoroughbred season’s final marquee race of the 2015 racing season at the historic racetrack!  Scarves and free bets were given away to all who registered, while the third floor saw a variety of international flavours being served for one day only. And for the first time ever, a chance to win $1-million was offered to fans with Woodbine‘s Million Dollar Megapick.  At no cost at all, fans were invited to pick the exact order of finish in both the Pattison Canadian International and E.P. Taylor Stakes to win the jackpot!

Winning the $1-million-dollar headliner was American-bred and British-based CANNOCK CHASE, a four-year-old son of Lemon Drop Kid owned by Rabbah Bloodstock and trained by industry icon Sir Michael R. Stoute.  Under top rider Ryan Moore, he closed late down the stretch on Woodbine‘s lush turf course to win by 1 1/2 lengths after a bit of a slow start. Finishing second was Canada’s pride and joy UP WITH THE BIRDS, who in 2013 was crowned the nation’s Horse of the Year for Sam-Son Farm.  American rider John Velazquez set the hearts of local fans a flutter as the colt surged to the lead deep in the stretch, only to be passed late.  Handled by renowned trainer Graham Motion, he now is based in the U.S., although his next steps are still being discussed. Third was English-based SHEIKHZAYEDROAD who shipped to Woodbine last year to take the Northern Dancer Stakes, reuniting with jockey Martin Lane. The winner paid $7.50 to a $2 investment and the final time 1 1/2 mile event was completed in a time of 2:29.2, about four seconds off the course record.

See the race:

Fans were treated to an amazing card of racing earlier filled with international talent, highlighted also by the $500k E.P. Taylor Stakes, restricted to fillies and mares.  The blue-blooded CURVY  was thrust into contention late in the 1 1/8 mile race on the turf course under Ryan Moore, winning for trainer David Wachman and owners Michael Tabor, Mrs. John Magnier & Derrick Smith.  The daughter of Galileo was the race favourite and paid $6.90 to a $2 bet.

American shipper BYE BYE BERNIE under Rafael Hernandez took the $300k Grade II Nearctic Stakes, a competitive turf sprint, while another returning invader from south of the border, CACTUS KRIS, took the $150k Ontario Fashion Stakes with Huber Villa-Gomez aboard.

See some photos from the day from our Nikon D3300 lens:

CANNOCK CHASE wins the $1-million PATTISON CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL

Phenomenal day at the #WOIntl. A Canuck didn’t win, but a ‘Cannock’ did! Congrats to CANNOCK CHASE who won valiantly under Ryan Moore. So proud of our UP WITH THE BIRDS who ran a phenomenal second, representing Canada so well! #GetintheGame #HorseRacing #OfftotheRaces #BetWoodbine #BetWoodbine #NikonD3300 #wu1a #55200mm

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Oct 18, 2015 at 4:48pm PDT

Smashing performance by CURVY under Ryan Moore to win the $500k EP Taylor Stakes! #BetWoodbine #OfftotheRaces #GetintheGame #HorseRacing #WOIntl #NikonD3300 #wu1a #55200mm A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Oct 18, 2015 at 2:16pm PDT

Racing superstar RYAN MOORE after winning his third consecutive Pattison Canadian International, taking Selfies graciously in the sunset. Hmm.. wonder if he used that #OFFTOTHERACES Hashtag to win $1k?

Free scarves, bets and an international array of tastes!

#OfftotheRaces! Don’t forget to get your free bet and #WOIntl scarf on the 3rd floor if you are at @woodbineracing today! #BetWoodbine #GetintheGame #BetWoodbine

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Oct 18, 2015 at 10:13am PDT

Good night. A memorable #WOIntl for the books! Had amazing food, won some cash and took lotsa selfies! Until next year! #OfftotheRaces #BetWoodbine #The6ix #Toronto #The6 #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Oct 18, 2015 at 5:10pm PDT

There still is a chance to win $1k by Tweeting out a Selfie of yourself at Woodbine before the end of the 2015 racing season late November, using the Hashtag #OFFTOTHERACES!

We’ll be back next Saturday night at Woodbine for Harness Racing’s biggest night, the BREEDERS CROWN! The experience will be fresh for us and we hope to see you there!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

This post was created in partnership with Woodbine Racetrack.

Not many can say they’ve been within a penny’s throw of iconic Screen star Meryl Streep for almost three hours, so it is with sheer delight I can say I’ve now experienced the Queen herself in-person.  I can only describe the feeling as being incredibly-elevating.

Three-time Academy Award winner and 19-time nominee Streep mesmerized an intimate audience at Koerner Hall tonight, reading excerpts from Philip Roth‘s meditation on death, Everyman. Streep‘s reading was paired with the Takács Quartet in an experiment where they played four pieces according to member Edward Dusinberre, which were selected based on their thematic relevance.

Under circumstances of death, Everyman centers on the moments before its protagonist’s death and in a state of reflection are the stories of those surrounding him told, painting a portrait of himself in the process. We also witness death’s unpredictability with Streep embodying these characters fluidly and ever so seamlessly.

Despite being starstruck by her great presence for the first half of the night, eventually we were drawn-in, forgetting she was before us at times,  truly becoming these characters – a master’s class in storytelling. Streep truly is awe-inspiring and the Quartet evoked both mood and introspection among us.

Streep after promoting Oscar-contender Suffragette at the BFI London Film Festival recently, made her way to Toronto and we spied white roses and Tim Hortons being brought to her tonight.  She currently is at work on Stephen Frears’ Florence Foster Jenkins.

See more snaps below:

Spending Saturday night with Queen #MerylStreep at Koerner Hall at a reading of #Everyman. No big deal. #Meryl #NikonD3300 #wu1a #55200mm

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Oct 17, 2015 at 7:58pm PDT

I can say I’ve truly lived, being in the presence of #MerylStreep for a few hours. Her ability to embody characters and storytell with seamless fluidity is a thing of awe. Will never forget tonight. #Meryl #Toronto #NikonD3300 #wu1a #55200mm A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Oct 17, 2015 at 8:09pm PDT

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

*FINAL NUMBERS TO COME MONDAY*

Despite competition from all corners, R.L. Stine-adaptation GOOSEBUMPS lands on top in its debut with $24.5 million from 3,501 theatres across North America for Sony Pictures. Starring Jack Black, Dylan Minnette and Odeya Rush, the Film which likely will see sequels based on the success of this and the best-selling series on which it is based, gets 71% from critics on the Tomatometer and an A CinemaScore from Audiences.

THE MARTIAN after a two-week domination lands in second this weekend with $22 million for 20th Century Fox. It nears the $150-million-mark domestically.

Cold War drama BRIDGE OF SPIES opens in third for DreamWorks with $15.9 million from 2,811 theatres. This latest effort from Steven Spielberg starring Tom Hanks, gets a A CinemaScore and an 86% on the Tomatometer.

CRIMSON PEAK opens in fourth with $13 million from 2,984 theatres for Universal Pictures. The Toronto-shot Romance-Horror starring Tom Hiddleston, Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain and Charlie Hunnam from Guillermo del Toro, gets an B- CinemaScore and a 68% on the Tomatometer.

Opening in eighth is football drama WOODLAWN for PureFlix with $4.6 million from 1,553 theatres. It has yet to open in Canada, but Audiences gave it an outstanding A+ CinemaScore.

SICARIO is in ninth with $4.5 million for Lionsgate Films/eOne Films in its fifth week out. Thus far it has grossed $34.6 million in North America.

MAZE RUNNER: SCORCH TRIALS rounds-out the Top Ten with $2.7 million in its fifth week out for 20th Century Fox.

Danny Boyle‘s STEVE JOBS expanded to 60 theatres for Universal Pictures, earning $1.6 million this weekend, to place 11th.

The 78th running of the Grade I PATTISON CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL is set to take place at Woodbine Racetrack on Sunday, October 18, 2015.  Have you marked your calendar yet?

The final marquee race in the 2015 Woodbine thoroughbred racing season is set  to go with a cast of international megastars set to make their way to Toronto for a shot at the $1-million purse money!  This is the very race in which iconic Secretariat capped-off his storied racing career in 1973, so there’s a bit of history for you.

Also scheduled is an amazing card of racing including races filled with talent including the $150k Ontario Fashion Stakes, the $500k Grade I E.P. Taylor Stakes and the $300k Grade II Nearctic Stakes so you’ll probably want to stay for a bit as the card starts just before 1:00 PM.

Nominees for the $1-million Pattison Canadian International include:

#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN RUN-OF-ENGAGEMENT PASSES TO SEE “SCOUTS GUIDE TO THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE”

• October 13, 2015
• admin
• Giveaways
• No Comments

Paramount Pictures Canada + Mr. Will want to give Readers across Canada to see SCOUTS GUIDE TO THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE with Run-of-Engagement Passes!

Official Synopsis:
Three scouts and lifelong friends join forces with one badass cocktail waitress to become the world’s most unlikely team of heroes. When their peaceful town is ravaged by a zombie invasion, they’ll fight for the badge of a lifetime and put their scouting skills to the test to save mankind from the undead.

Tye Sheridan, David Koechner, Cloris Leachman¸ Halston Sage, Logan Miller, Joey Morgan, Sarah Dumont and Patrick Schwarzenegger star.

See the Trailer:

To enter to win, simply  click “like” on this Post and state your city at Mr. Will on Facebook. 

Click “share” on this Post from there for an extra chance!

Poster:

Don’t forget, you can buy tickets across Canada to the Ultimate Fan Experience taking place on October 28, 2015 across Canada!

Paramount Pictures Canada release SCOUTS GUIDE TO THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE Friday, October 30, 2015.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)

scouts guide to the zombie apocalypse

#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN A PRINGLES PRIZE PACK!

• October 11, 2015
• admin
• Giveaways
• No Comments

Now you know how much we love PRINGLES TORTILLAS!  Shall we re-live the magic of our Doggy Fiesta a week ago? Click here.

The #VivaTortillas Luchadores teach a master class in flavour and fiesta!

Posted by Pringles on Monday, October 5, 2015

PRINGLES TORTILLAS are available in three exciting flavours: Pringles Tortillas Original, Pringles Tortillas Nacho Cheese and Pringles Tortilla Zesty Ranch!  Trust us, they’re so flavourful, you won’t need dip!  All that same Pringles fun we’ve always loved, but now with a crispy Tortilla goodness! We adore the Nacho Cheese flavour, but how about you be the judge?

We want YOU to win an awesome PRINGLES PRIZE PACK including a Pringles T-Shirt and a selection of Pringles products!  To enter all you have to do is share this Post from Mr. Will on Facebook, using the hashtag #VIVATORTILLAS and remember to tag Mr. Will back on it!

G’luck, Willionaire$!  Readers in Canada only, please.

 

Learn more about Pringles Tortillas and the family of Pringles products right here.

 

(Photo/video credit: Pringles Canada/Mr. Will Wong)

Pringles

#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN ADVANCE PASSES TO SEE “ROOM”

• October 06, 2015
• admin
• Giveaways
• No Comments

Elevation Pictures + Mr. Will are thrilled to take Readers across Canada to see TIFF ’15 People’s Choice Award winner, ROOM.

We saw it and we were enthralled. We can’t wait for you to discover it and tell all your friends about it.

The Screenings take place either Wednesday, October 21, 2015 or Thursday, October 22, 2015 in Toronto and Wednesday, October 28, 2015 in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Halifax and Victoria.

Synopsis:
Jack (Jacob Tremblay), five, was born in captivity. The shed in which he and his Ma (Brie Larson) are confined is all he knows. His Ma was abducted when she was 17 and their only visitor is his father and her kidnapper, Old Nick (Sean Bridgers).

When Jack and his Ma finally escape, he is both awestruck and terrified by the outside world. His Ma, on the other hand, must face the long and difficult process of recovery after being imprisoned for so long.

ROOM stars Brie Larson, Joan Allen, William H. Macy and introducing Jacob Tremblay!  Lenny Abrahamson directs, with a script written by Emma Donoghue, who also wrote the novel on which the Film is based.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win simply click “like” on this post at Mr. Will on Facebook and indicate your city.  Click share from there for an extra chance or Tweet the below:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/room @mrwillw wants us to #win Advance Passes to see #ROOMTheMovie! 

G’luck Willionaire$!

Elevation Pictures release ROOM in Toronto on Friday, October 23, 2015 and across Canada on Friday, October 30, 2015.

Mr. Will + The Cast of ROOM

Congrats to @elevation_pics, @brielarson, @jacobtremblay and the team behind #RoomTheMovie on their #TIFF15 People’s Choice win. Well deserved. We’re crazy about it!

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 20, 2015 at 12:59pm PDT

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Elevation Pictures)

brie larson JACOB TREMBLAY room

#NEWMUSIC: JILL HENNESSY – “I DO”

• October 05, 2015
• admin
• New Music
• No Comments

Many of us know Edmonton-born Actress Jill Hennessy for her brilliant work on series like LUCK, CROSSING JORDAN and LAW & ORDER, but many forget that she actually is a bona fide musician.  After penning a heart-felt collection of tunes between 2011-2012,  Hennessy (who grew-up in nine Canadian cities), went into the studio to bring to life her deeply-personal collection of songs inspired by marriage, familial love and loss.

Hennessy separates her talents into separate boxes and this new Disc continues her life journey at this stage in her life, whereas her debut GHOST IN MY HEAD, was inspired much by her childhood.

Her folk-rock sensibilities are front and center on her first album in six years, I DO and many will be surprised by the polished product and her phenomenal voice which left a crowd at Adelaide Hall wowed last weekend here in Toronto.

The 11-track disc distributed by Fontana North and Universal Music Canada features tracks:

1.       Marsha G
2.       Digging my own Grave
3.       Aimee
4.       Something’s Comin’
5.       Edmonton
6.       Save Me
7.       Heaven
8.       I Do
9.       Real
10.   Previous One
11.   Cross the River

 

Check-out a live acoustic performance of title track I DO below:

Download I DO here.

Throwback to that time we met the lovely Hennessy at the 2011 Canadian Walk of Fame Gala:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Universal Music Canada)

Jill hennessy