canadian international
#HORSERACING: “CANNOCK CHASE” CATCHES CANUCK GLORY IN THE 2015 PATTISON CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL
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
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
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!
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
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.
#HORSERACING: THE 2015 PATTISON CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL TAKES PLACE SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2015
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:
Da Big Hoss / Skychai Racing LLC / Michael Maker
Danish Dynaformer / Charles Fipke / Roger Attfield
Habibi / Augustin Stable / Mark Frostad
Interpol / JMJ Racing Stables LLC / Sid Attard
Kaigun / G. Barber, Quintessential Racing Florida LLD. & Horse’n Around Racing Stable / Mark Casse
Power Ped / Stepaside Farms LLC / Neil Drysdale
Reporting Star / Copper Water Thoroughbred Company / Pat Parente
Second Step / Merry Fox Stud / Luca Cumani
Sheikhzayedroad / Mohammed Jaber / David Simcock
Triple Threat / Team Valor International and Gary Barber / Bill Mott
Up With the Birds / Sam-Son Farm / Graham Motion
Admission and parking are free. We’ll see you there? You bet.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
This post was created in partnership with Woodbine Racetrack.
#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)
#HORSERACING: “TRADE STORM” RIPS THROUGH THE WOODBINE MILE
So Horse Racing is a popular sport we hear! 16k people crowded at Woodbine Racetrack on Sunday to witness a fabulous card of Racing culminating in the $1-million Ricoh Woodbine Mile. Although two-time reigning Horse of the Year in North America WISE DAN wasn’t up for the rare Hat Trick after having won in 2012 and 2013, a fantastic Field still was attracted to the historic Track which boasts one of the World’s finest Turf Courses.
Celebrating the Festivities was NBA Star Terrence Ross of the Toronto Raptors. Earlier in the week he filled Drawmaster duties and Sunday he returned once again to present Awards to the winning Connections of the Day’s major races.
After placing third in the Ricoh Woodbine Mile in 2013, British invader Trade Storm would not be denied this time around under top English rider Jamie Spencer at 4-1 odds at a time of 1:36.8 for Qatar Racing Limited and Trainer David Simcock. Canadian-bred Kaigun who has improved dramatically took second spot for Hollywood Mega-Producer Gary Barber and Trainer Mark Casse. Third was talented U.S.-based three-year-old Bobby’s Kitten.
Earlier on the Card, Sam-Son Farm‘s regally-bred Deceptive Vision showed she belonged with the best, defeating with much left, a talented Field which included this year’s Woodbine Oaks–Queen’s Plate Double winner Lexie Lou. British invader Sheikhzayedroad also won gamely under Martin J. Lane for Rabbah Bloodstock and again, Trainer David Simcock. He likely will surface in next month’s $1-million Pattison International, while Deceptive Vision likely resurfaces for the prestigious E.P. Taylor Stakes.
All three Winners gained a berth with their victories for Racing’s Championship Day at Santa Anita Park this November, competing against the World’s best in the series of races known as the Breeders’ Cup.
See the 2014 Ricoh Woodbine Mile below:
We had the privilege of entertaining a select group of VIP Guests, enjoying the day’s free Sunglasses, Food Trucks, Beer Tents, Live Music and BBQ! A slew of $1k Bursaries also were handed out to Students. And as an FYI, the Pulled Pork on a Pretzel Bun was to die for!
Media Coverage also was abundant with premiere outlets like Fox Sports, America’s Best Racing and The Paulick Report coming out to cover the Day.
The Pattison Canadian International is coming up on Sunday, October 19, 2014.
Stay tuned for some exciting initiatives, Willionaire$!
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Woodbine Entertainment Group)
#HORSERACING: “JOSHUA TREE” WINS THE PATTISON CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL AT WOODBINE A RECORD THIRD TIME
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)
#SPOTTED: JAMES HINCHCLIFFE DRAWS POST POSITIONS FOR 76TH RUNNING OF THE PATTISON CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL AT WOODBINE RACETRACK
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)
JOSHUA TREE (IRE) WINS THE PATTISON CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL TWICE
Lightning struck the tree twice as Irish-bred Joshua Tree (Ire) – a hunch bet for U2 Fans – won the $1.5 million Pattison Canadian International a second time today at Woodbine Racetrack, keeping Dandino (GB) and Forte Dei Marni (GB) in second and third, respectively. Known as Canada’s richest Horse Race, the mile-and-a-half Turf Race brought together some of the World’s best Jockeys and Horses together for what was a fantastic Card of Racing this afternoon at the Toronto Oval.
Joshua Tree had won the prestigious Grade I race back in 2010 and finished a game second in 2011, but improved upon that again this year with a half-length score under the guidance of charismatic Frankie Dettori. Today’s Victory pushes the Bankroll of the five-year-old Son of Montjeu (Ire) and Madeira Mist (Ire), past the $3.15-million mark for Owners Mr. K. K., Al Nabooda and Mr. K. Albahou. The Final Time was 2:30.4 (five seconds off the Course Record) on a damp course listed in “Good” condition.
Dettori, who widely is regarded as one of the greatest Jockeys of all time, played-up his Celebrity in the Walking Ring, posing for Photographers before the E.P. Taylor Stakes where he was scheduled to ride Longshot Havant (GB). Racing Fans were ecstatic, swarming him for Autographs and Photos repeatedly, sparking Security to step-it-up a notch. Above this, Top Jockeys like Mike Smith, Javier Castellano, Ryan Moore, John Velazquez, Olivier Peslier and Ramon Dominguez – the latter who won the Nearctic Stakes aboard Next Question earlier on the Card – were accessible and more than happy to meet and interact with their Fans, who rarely get a chance to see them in these parts.
The Ladies also had a chance to shine today in the $1-million E.P. Taylor Stakes with favoured Siyouma (Ire) winning by about two lengths under French-born and Hong Kong-based Jockey, Gérald Mossé. The four-year-old Filly is peaking at just the right moment for Owner Robert Jeffcock, now earning $840k in just ten races. Pagera (Fr) and Dream Peace (Ire) finished closely behind Siyouma (Ire) in that exact order, while locally-trained Kissable (Ire) mustered a respectable fourth-place finish.
Although the Races at Woodbine continue up until the end of November, this is the last high-profile Fixture of the Season. There still is however, plenty of time left to check out the Races in 2012! Check their Schedule here.
Here’s a bit of Footage I got of Joshua Tree (Ire) and Dettori following their Win:
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
POST POSITIONS DRAWN FOR 2012 PATTINSON CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL
I couldn’t be more excited – the one Race I live to see every year! Post Positions were drawn earlier today for Sunday’s $1.5 million Pattison Canadian International and thanks to our Friend TripleDeadHeat and his Photo above, here are our official Contenders.
Ten Gentlemen and one Lady will go head-to-head for fame and glory over Woodbine‘s gorgeous E.P. Taylor Turf Course, which is so close to the Grandstand you can almost reach-out and feel the action. Here are the Contenders:
1. Lay Time
2. Dandino
3. Forte di Marni
4. Scalo
5. Prince Will I Am
6. Wigmore Hall
7. Reliable Man
8. Joshua Tree
9. Al Khali
10. Imperial Monarch
11. Air Support
I know it’s disloyal of me to go against any other than Prince Will I Am as a proud Canadian and well, for namesake, my $2 is going on the lightly-raced Imperial Monarch. The three-year-old Irish-bred Colt might lack the experience of his Competitors, but he’s certainly got the Bloodlines, the Connections and the Preparation to make it happen. He’s coming off a Group I win in France back in July and rest assured (pardon the pun), he’s fresh.
Today’s Drawmaster was two-time Paralympic Gold Medalist and Champion Swimmer, Summer Mortimer. Click here to see which Contenders she likes!
Visit the official Website for the Pattison Canadian International here.
The Races start Sunday at 1:00 PM and run till 6:00 PM, with a stunning Undercard of Races including the World’s finest Turf Fillies and Mares fighting it out to the finish in the Grade I E.P. Taylor Stakes. Woodbine Racetrack is only minutes from Toronto Pearson International Airport and less than 30 minutes from Islington Station (Bus 37A). Get in!
Although they went quick, I still have one more $25 Gift Card to hand-out to one Reader who’s coming out on Sunday. To qualify, simply Tweet me @MRWILLW which Contender you think will the Pattison Canadian International before Friday, November 12, 2012! Readers must be 19 years of age to enter, but everyone is welcome at Woodbine!
(Photo credit: TripleDeadHeat)
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