#HORSERACING: BRITISH INVADER “HILLSTAR” TAKES THE $1-MILLION PATTISON CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL

The 77th  Pattison Canadian International was held at Woodbine Racetrack  yesterday, the $1-million one-and-a-half mile race drawing competitors domestic and abroad for a shot at the big prize!  Post-Time Favourite HILLSTAR would go on to win by just under a horse length, under now two-time Pattison Canadian International-winning jockey Ryan Moore over  U.S. invader BIG BLUE KITTEN, ridden by Joel Rosario.  The Winner paid $4.50 on a $2 bet, the final time a respectable 2:29, about four seconds off the Course Record.

The afternoon certainly was not without its share of drama as Co-Favourite Brown Panther, also from England, was started moments before the race startled, bolting off with his rider Richard Kingscote, who eventually was dismounted. The Horse’s owner, English Football Star Michael Owen took to Twitter to express his disappointment, but was glad nonetheless that his prized Star and its rider were unharmed.

Long way to come for nothing! Thank goodness horse and jockey are both okay.

— michael owen (@themichaelowen) October 19, 2014

Earlier on the Card, Racing Fans were delighted with some remarkable Races on the Program including the $500k E.P. Taylor Stakes (regarded as a top turf fixture internationally for female horses), the $300k Nearctic Stakes (a respected turf event for sprinters) and also the $150k Ontario Fashion (a sprint race on the main track for female horses). JUST THE JUDGE would prevail in the E.P. Taylor under soon-to-retire jockey Jamie Spencer winning by a half-length over ODELIZ, both Irish-bred fillies. The Winner returned $5.20 to a $2 bet. Canada’s DECEPTIVE VISION placed third in the Race for historic Sam-Son Farms.

I had the pleasure of entertaining a group of Social Media Influencers earlier in the day, who took delight in meeting one of Woodbine’s top riders Patrick Husbands just moments before he went-on to win on race favourite HILLABY! We enjoyed the one-day only international flavours including Funnel Cakes, Smoked Turkey Legs, Philly Cheesesteaks, Crepes and so much more!

Patrick Husbands + Friends: 

Also, those limited edition and fashionable Pattison Canadian International Scarves clearly were a cross-generational hit!

 

It’s not too late still to check-out the races at Woodbine Racetrack, which conclude this December!  Let’s make a day of it!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)