It’s hard to believe another racing season at Woodbine Racetrack has concluded and we’re so thrilled to have been there start to finish. While I admit it gets a little tougher as the years pass and I get a bit older, what always brings me back is the stories, the lineage and relationships. Sometimes along the way I get a little reward for my $2 investments of a bet!
2022 was a standout year for horses based at Woodbine on a world stage. We got to see Hall of Fame Trainer Roger Attfield send-out his two top charges LADY SPEIGHTSPEARE and SHIRL’S SPEIGHT to top three placings at the Breeders’ Cup in November against the world’s best. We also saw our Queen’s Plate heroine MOIRA also made us proud finishing in the thick of things, not to mention locally-based CAIRO CONSORT finishing well also before being sold and taken under the wings of top Trainer Todd Pletcher.
Woodbine truly is proving its worth on an international stage, hosting Breeders’ Cup Win-and-You’re-In races. Time and again, we’ve shown the world that we not only are a stepping stone to the best. Some of the best in the world in fact are based right at home in Toronto.
A huge congratulations to our leading Trainer Mark Casse and Jockey Kazushi Kimura, once again taking year-end title honours! Kimura despite an absence due to injury, still made it back to reclaim his title which is super-impressive.
It was such a joy seeing fans back in full capacity this year with Covid restictions having been lifted. And every week I pop by, I marvel at how quickly the construction is coming along in the new Casino/Hotel portion of the venue. We welcome a new era soon!
In carrying-on my annual tradition, here’s my 2022 A Year in Horses Review, set to Harry Styles’ “As It Was”. All moments here lensed by yours truly. What a year!
April 22, 2023 will mark the start of a new racing season at Woodbine and I can’t wait.
But first, a well-deserved rest for all!
Happy Holidays, everyone!
Mr. Will & beanie
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