It may have been the 158th running of the Queen’s Plate but believe me, it never gets old! While #Canada150 and long weekend were very much on people’s minds this past weekend, that didn’t stop a huge crowd from filling up the Woodbine Racetrack grandstand trackside all the way up to the fourth floor. Known as the longest-running annual horse race in North America, the race now featured in a two-day long Festival is a huge annual draw deep in history and culture. Headlining the two days of concerts this year were Canada’s Our Lady Peace on the Saturday and Goo Goo Dolls on the Sunday. Fun fact: did you known OLP frontman Raine Maida is Sovereign Award-winning Trainer Barb Minshall‘s nephew? We didn’t know that until recently when that came-up in a conversation. Cool, right?
We had the pleasure of being Woodbine‘s first ever Facebook Live Queen’s Plate Co-Host along with our new friend Jen Kirsch, influencer and relationship writer, checking-in on the fun and fashion with guests from the Hats & Horseshoes Party, presented by Stella Artois. We loved the eclectic range of outfits, many patriotic and #Canada150-themed and many nodding another era.
Cast members of The Real Housewives of Toronto, fashion icon Jeanne Beker, Goo Goo Dolls, hosts of CTV’s The Social and Rachael Ancheril of Rookie Blue were in attendance. We’re pretty sure you’ve seen the fashion spots on Woodbine‘s website leading-up to the Queen’s Plate right? Those were actually directed by the latter.
Frank Stronach and his Adena Springs team have been a major force now for many years in the sport and this was the case in the day’s marquee race, the $1-million Queen’s Plate taken in dominant fashion by his superfilly Holy Helena. Ridden by Luis Contreras and trained by U.S.-based James Jerkens, she won the race as the post-time favourite and we hear that she is being pointed to the prestigious Alabama Stakes at Saratoga where she will face the top three-year-old fillies in North America. She just may make one more start in Canada to qualify for a Sovereign Award as she has made just two starts in her native country in a brief but v. illustrious career!
Watch the race:
Other major winners Queen’s Plate Festival weekend included Russell Brand character namesake Aldous Snow (Singspiel Stakes), Financial Recovery (Ontario Damsel Stakes), Melmich (Dominion Day Stakes), Green Mask (Highlander Stakes), Yorkton (Charlie Barley Stakes), Go Bro (King Edward Stakes) and a rare dead-heat between Rainha da Bateria and Starship Jubilee (Dance Smartly Stakes).
See our Snaps:
Jen Kirsch + I
Holy Helena, her groom Denzil + Frank Stronach
Queen’s Plate heroine Holy Helena + I
A Holy Helena cupcake (courtesy of Hayley Morrison)
The adorable Contreras Family (family of Queen’s Plate-winning jockey Luis)
Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell + Woodbine CEO Jim Lawson
Rainha da Bateria + Starship Jubilee, your Dance Smartly Stakes victresses
Catherine Day Phillips (and family), winning Trainer of Ontario Damsel Stakes victress Financial Recovery
Yorkton, winner of the Charlie Barley Stakes
Woodbine‘s Dawn Lupul
Aldous Snow, winner of the Singspiel Stakes… a third time!
Green Mask, winner of the Highlander Stakes
Melmich, winner of the Dominion Day Handicap. His co-owner Cory Hoffman (front right) is the father of fellow Film Writer Matt Hoffman.
Our Lady Peace frontman Raine Maida
We loved meeting our VIP Paddock Party winners Maria + Brett (fourth down). Some Queen’s Plate Fashion 👒🎩:
Woodbine Handicapper Jim Bannon and former Woodbine announcer Dan Loiselle. Legends.
The official Queen’s Plate cocktail, the Blue Diamond 💎
Full House 🏠
The rain would not prevail!
While we were pretty much everywhere on Queen’s Plate Day, we loved seeing the faces of friends, new and old. If you couldn’t make it out this year, we hope to see you at the races this season as it goes till December! Beginning Friday nights in July, Woodbine will host a patio party called the Grandstand Social on the third floor at Champions.
All I Do is Win ✔
Everyone needs a selfie with the soon-to-be-iconic “ALL I DO IS WIN” neon sign which will be there!
See you there! 🖐
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Victory is so close, we can almost taste it! After a smashing effort from Princess on June 11th on Woodbine Oaks Day, our girl is back again of all days, Queen’s Plate Day! What a dream! We know this much, our girl sure loves an audience. We’re so excited we can’t even function!
What are we going to wear?!
In her previous race, Princess was paired for the first time ever with Woodbine‘s leading rider Eurico Rosa Da Silva and despite traffic issues in the stretch resulting in a lengthy claim of foul, our darling ran a game third, losing only by a length to Kentucky-bred Lady Brie. That one since has stepped-up to Allowance-level company, a narrow second last weekend!
What thrilled us most is that Princess never gave up and kept fighting to the finish in that return to the main track after an okay effort on the wet turf the time before. She heard your cheers! This last effort very much is reminiscent of her second 2017 start where she showed that same fire. 🔥
Eurico adores Princess and tells us that she was perfect that day, doing everything right. He knew right away he wanted to be on her again for this next start. He’s confident Princess is on her way to a win. We’re so honoured and what better validation than that?
Grab some popcorn, let’s watch the race again!🍿
If we could compare Princess mentally to where she was last year, she still is the same sweet girl but we love that she’s so much more vocal and confident.
Her effortless workout this week under Joshua Scott speaks volumes! This girl is ready.
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KJ Apa (Riverdale):
Happy Pride! 🌈 #Pride #PrideToronto
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Got my #QueensPlate outfit ready. Will I see you Sunday? 👑 Race 11, #7 (6:25 PM EST) #QP17
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See you all Queen’s Plate weekend and good luck!
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
It’s our favourite event of the summer! The Queen’s Plate is back and bigger than ever, expanded now to a two-day festival taking place Saturday, July 1–Sunday, June 2, 2017 at Woodbine Racetrack!
Tickets for the festival Sunday grant you access to concerts by this year’s headliners, Our Lady Peace (Saturday) and Goo Goo Dolls (Sunday).
In addition to being North America’s most historic horse race, now in its 158th edition, featuring the finest three-year-old horses in Canada, the Queen’s Plate Festival features plenty of fun, fashion, food and drink. You must experience its signature cocktail, the Blue Diamond!
Courtesy of Vaughan Mills, the best-dressed will have a chance to win a $1,000 gift card at the Fashion at the Races contest.
There also will be lots of fun giveaways throughout the weekend… but only if you are there!
Attendees also will get their first bet free! Don’t forget to download Woodbine‘s official app to qualify! More here.
You must not forget to walk the Red Carpet for a photo op.
Stay connected with the hashtag #QP17!
How about some fashion inspiration?
We want to give our Toronto readers a special opportunity to win special VIP Paddock Party passes, which include access to a private trackside viewing area, light snacks, drinks and access to a premium viewing area of the concerts! You must be 19 years of age to enter.
To enter to win, we need you to do the following.
1. Click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK.
2. Click “like” this Post on our Instagram account too and tell us which #QP17 Contender you think will win at: @mrwillwong
3. Tag as many friends as you wish on this Instagram Post in the comments section whom you wish you could bring to the Queen’s Plate Festival!
To qualify, you must be following Woodbine on
Instagram.
View this year’s Queen’s Plate Contenders, including race favourite and Woodbine Oaks presented by Budweiser winner HOLY HELENA, a filly facing the boys! Hover cursor over left and right to navigate the slideshow:
Who’s your Queen’s Plate pick?
We hear another special filly will be racing Queen’s Plate weekend. We wonder who…. 😉
Learn more about the Queen’s Plate Festival here.
(Photo credit: Woodbine Entertainment Group/Mr. Will Wong)
2016 certainly did not disappoint and Racing Fans were gifted with new memories to last a lifetime. Whether it be CAREN‘s complete domination locally, SIR DUDLEY DIGGES’ shocking Queen’s Plate upset, Turf Queen TEPIN‘s long-awaited and fruitful visit to Woodbine in the Woodbine Mile, ERUPT‘s explosive win in the Pattison Canadian International or just seeing some our favourites again and new faces emerging, the year gave us each a memory that holds a special meaning.
True to annual tradition, I’ve compiled my favourite snaps and compiled them into one video from my daily journeys to Woodbine here in Toronto, all the way to sunny Arcadia, California at the Breeders’ Cup. To an amazing 2017 that will have some big horseshoes to fill!
Be sure to check-out ONTARIO RACING‘s website and Social Media channels in the days leading up the Christmas for the stories behind some of my favourite moments.
Enjoy.
Mr. Will
2016: A YEAR IN HORSES
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong | Audio: Universal Music Group)
We don’t often think of Mississauga as a travel hotspot, but when looking for a place to stay this long weekend for the historic Queen’s Plate at Woodbine Racetrack, we found ourselves an unlikely treasure. Canada’s top racecourse, known as the “Airport Oval” is just 15 minutes from Hotel Novotel Mississauga Centre and we’ll tell you why this is an ideal place to stay.
Location is important when finding a hotel. Situated right off the 403, Novotel Mississauga is a breeze to get to and from. It is literally minutes from the 427 and Toronto Pearson International Airport, while just a bit more of a drive to the 401. Better yet, if you don’t want to bother with the travel downtown, the Hotel is literally across the road from tons of amazing shopping and dining at Square One. Everything you need is a dime’s throw away.
You’d be shocked how many Hotels around the Airport aren’t pet-friendly. There is where Novotel shows its true class and heart. Billy and I were welcomed with open arms. A beautiful Zen Garden called Kariya Gardens, is just a block away and even though pets aren’t permitted within that park, the perimeter has lots of greenery for a proper walk. Sure beats being centered among a bunch of commercial buildings and concrete, which is what you’d get around the Airport, right?
Novotel‘s rooms are spacious – we loved most the large bathroom equipped with amenities like a blow dryer and fair trade toiletries. More importantly, their cushy beds are of a five-star caliber. We’ve stayed at five-star hotels before and aren’t afraid to say our sleep was on-par with the beds in those establishments. Billy is the best at reviewing bed comfort and it was a sight seeing him tuck himself between the pillows and conked-out!
The room was well-cooled with some powerful Air Conditioning, much needed in the heatwave we experienced Canada Day long weekend. We were always comfortable and comfort comes first.
We need to stay connected with much of our presence being online and on Social Media. Our room had the perfect desk with plenty of outlets to stay charged to get our work done. The Wi-Fi, although sometimes finicky, for the most part was there for us. Above this, our cable came with a wide selection of channels to keep us entertained and informed.
That buffet though. One thing we look forward to at Novotel is the Breakfast Buffet in their TRIO Restaurant. A great value at $15.99 per person, you get your own pot of coffee, tea and/or juices. The offerings range from a variety of eggs, bacon, sausage, oatmeal, cold cuts, fruits and of course, their signature pastries and breads! You can even enjoy it on their patio.
Driving? Don’t stress about parking. Hotel Novotel Mississauga Centre gives you in-out privileges, at a super-reasonable $13/day rate. There were plenty of spots. Don’t drive? Don’t sweat it. You can Uber to Woodbine for less than $20 or just walk across the road to Square One and hop on a Missisauga Transit bus that can connect you downtown.
Our only regret? We wish we had more time to try out their 24-hour gym (there’s also a swimming pool!).
Learn more here.
Our Queen’s Plate experience here.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
The 157th running of the Queen’s Plate was held today at Woodbine Racetrack, bringing together some stellar fields of horses leading up to the $1-million marquee moment, North America’s most historic thoroughbred horse race. Winning in an upset victory this year was SIR DUDLEY DIGGES, owned by racing icons, Ken and Sarah Ramsey. Shipping-in from the U.S. the three-year-old Gio Ponti colt under jockey Julien Leparoux closed late furiously to claim the victory over favoured AMI’S GIZMO.
Won in a time of 2:04.09 for one and a quarter miles, SIR DUDLEY DIGGES won by half a length. Finishing third was ALL ON RED. The winner paid $33.90 to a $2 bet.
Ramsey, who has plans to continue bringing his business north, spoke at a media scrum following the race at Woodbine‘s Press Box, indicating his sights are set on winning the Canadian Triple Crown (Fort Erie‘s Prince of Wales Stakes, followed by Woodbine‘s Breeders’ Stakes). One of his former Queen’s Plate contenders WE MISS ARTIE now is standing in Ontario as a stallion and he has sent some mares up to be bred to him.
In addition, the amazing day of races featured wins by LEXIE LOU (former Horse of the Year and Queen’s Plate victress), DANISH DYNAFORMER (former Queen’s Plate candidate and winner of the Breeders’ Stakes), CONQUEST ENFORCER (originally considered for the Queen’s Plate) and PASSION FOR ACTION (a hard-knocking local sprinter). A filled grandstand and the thunderous roar of the crowd very much is telling that Horse Racing is still alive here in Canada!
Check out some of our highlights of the day including some of the headlining names at the first-ever Queen’s Plate concert including Hedley, The Strumbellas and Matthew Good. We love the colourful fashion, the brilliant fascinators, the amazing food trucks, cocktails and festivity. The Queen’s Plate outdid itself once again and it forever is our highlight of the Summer.
My #QP16 look
Showtime!
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
The Paddock Party
Food Trucks!
Food trucks! Food trucks! #QP16
A video posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Buster’s Sea Cove’s Key Lime Pie In a Jar
#RethinkattheRaces
The official cocktail of #RethinkattheRaces, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Lemonade + Soda. #QP16
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
#FashionattheRaces with Bri Mott
With Ray Paulick (The Paulick Report) and Yvonne Schwabe
With Ray Paulick (Paulick Report) + Owner/Breeder @Yschwabe. #QP16
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Passion for Action wins the Highlander!
Ryan Campbell, groom of Passion for Action
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With Racing Ambassador Dan Tordjman and his father Max
Conquest Enforcer wins the Charlie Barley
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Team Casse
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Fashionistas
Loving some of the fashion we’re seeing at #QP16. @geekigirl’s fascinator. 👏
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
More #QP16 Cuties. Hi @nataliedeane!
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
These girls are all sorts of YES! #QP16 Style done right.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Woodbine’s Dawn Lupul
My hun @WoodbineDawn channeling rock goddess. #QP16
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Jackie Redmond of The Score
Hands down one of the best-dressed today! Gorgeous sports personality #JackieRedmond. #QP16
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Katie Lamb, Toronto Star (Trainer Mark Cassse picked her Fascinator!)
Katie Lamb (@katielamb) with a photobomb by the brilliant Lady Shipman. #QP16
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Alx Feliz performing the Anthem
#AlxFeliz performing the anthem. #QP16
A video posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
The Hamilton Tigercats walk the Pink Carpet
So the #HamiltonTigercats showed up! #QP16
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
The Social’s Melissa Grelo and The Strumbellas
#TheSocialCTV’s @MelissaGrelo with #TheStrumbellas! #QP16
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Rethink Breast Cancer Ambassador Sarah Regan walks the Pink Carpet
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Hedley walk the Pink Carpet
#Hedley have arrived! Our #QP16 Headliner!!
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
With #JacobHoggard of #Hedley. The triple concert starts in an hour! #QP16
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Lexie Lou wins the Dance Smartly
Literally crying before thousands of people. The Queen reigns in the Dance Smartly. #QP16
A video posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Sir Dudley Digges wins the 2016 Queen’s Plate
#SirDudleyDigges wins the #QP16!
A video posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Winning jockey Julien Leparoux cools down in Press Box
Julien Leparoux cools down after his winning ride. #QP16
A video posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
With winning owner of Sir Dudley Digges, Ken Ramsey and Trainer Mike Maker
Matthew Good
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Hedley
That’s a wrap!
And that’s a wrap! Time for a breather. #QP16
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Missed the Queen’s Plate? There’s still a long season ahead filled with amazing racing! We’ll see you at Woodbine!
We’d like to thank our official partners Ford Canada for making the Ford Fiesta our official car Canada Day/Queen’s Plate weekend and Hotel Novotel Mississauga Centre for being our official Queen’s Plate hotel!
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
There’s just TWO days to go till the Queen’s Plate! Have you got your tickets yet? The 157th edition of North America’s most historic race takes place on Sunday, July 3, 2015 at Woodbine Racetrack. Canada’s top three-year-old horses compete for both glory and a shot at that $1-million purse money!
As announced prior, there will be three headlining acts following the race card including Hedley, Matthew Good and The Strumbellas! Alx Feliz will also be performing the National Anthem. The day will see no shortage of fashion, glamour and fun at the Hats & Horseshoes Party hosted by the hosts of CTV‘s The Social including Lainey Lui, Melissa Grelo, Traci Melchor and Cynthia Loyst! There will be plenty of amazing cocktails including the return of the signature cocktail of the Queen’s Plate, The Blue Diamond and amazing food trucks! With its summer festival vibe, the Queen’s Plate truly has it all.
Post positions were drawn and the field is looking highly competitive with 12 males and one female set to go to post on the big day. Let’s take a quick look at the contenders, organized by Post Position:
What makes this year unique is that many of the contenders have taken an unconventional path to the Queen’s Plate. ALL ON RED, ESPOSITO, SIR DUDLEY DIGGES and SCHOLAR ATHLETE all come with strong credentials, preparing in the U.S. The latter two have specialized on the turf, while the big race itself will be run on a synthetic dirt surface, newly installed at Woodbine this year called Tapeta.
Local faves are headed by AMIS GIZMO whom after an uncharacteristically poor race in the Wando Stakes earlier this year, bounced back to score authoritatively in the definitive prep race for the Queens Plate, the Plate Trial about three weeks ago.
SHAKHIMAT focused on turf racing with success in the U.S. earlier this year after being named champion two-year-old male of 2015 in Canada. He was second in the Plate Trial and his rider Emma-Jayne Wilson, the first ever Canadian female jockey to win the Queen’s Plate, will seek her second.
GAMBLE’S GHOST is from the same connections as AMIS GIZMO and suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the $500k Woodbine Oaks, the definitive race for three-year-old fillies in Canada. She will appreciate the added distance of the Queen’s Plate. Jockey Luis Contreras faced the tough decision of whom to ride, having been on board both. Patrick Husbands who won the 2014 edition of the Queen’s Plate on the filly Lexie Lou (she races in the Dance Smartly Stakes on Plate Day), picks-up the ride.
Big, eye-catching LEAVEM IN MALIBU is owned in part by Hollywood film producer Gary Barber and Conrad Farms, and trained by leading Mark Casse. His long strides and disposition suggest he will handle the Queen’s Plate distance well.
MIKE, an expensive purchase, comes highly-regarded and is rounding into form with each start.
The final entries will be known this time next week. Who is your Queen’s Plate pick?
There’s only a little bit of time left to buy your Queen’s Plate tickets. Do so here.
We expect to see you there in your best summer attire!
More details including directions, can be found here.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
In addition to being the event of the summer every year in Toronto, the 157th Queen’s Plate this July at Woodbine Racetrack will feature a new musical twist! North America’s most historic horse race is centered around a day of bold fashion, cocktails, legacy, food, betting and fun. In the coming weeks we’ll be highlighting the trail to the $1-million Queen’s Plate as we anxiously await who will be crowned this year’s Queen’s Plate champion!
Set to take three stages at the scenic venue are a variety of Canadian Indie musical acts. Announced are Emerson Street Rhythm Band, Andrew Hyatt, The Pick Brothers Band and River Town Saints. Three headliners also just have been unveiled including Hedley, Matthew Good and The Strumbellas! For now, general grandstand tickets are available starting at only $15.
Get Social. “Like” the official Queen’s Plate Facebook Page here. Join the convo by using the Hashtag #QP16!
Details on the Queen’s Plate and how you can get tickets here.
What better way to spend Canada Day weekend?
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
What a year it’s been! The Racing Season at Woodbine ended last weekend and although it’s only been a week, I do miss it! It brings be so many mixed emotions to see so many of our human and equine friends in the industry ship south to the warmer weathers of Kentucky and Florida this winter, but I know they’re all just a Facebook post away and I can keep a tab on the horses like they are my children.
Over the course of the year I have taken well over 25k photos. Hence, to narrow them down to 400 even was a great feat on my part. I take so much pride in every photo I take, discarding one literally is like getting rid of a memory for me and I have a hard time letting go.
Bit by bit since last Saturday, I’d paste together pieces in what little spare time I had to compile my annual 2015 Year in Horses Video. These Snaps span from April through November, my travels taking me to Fort Erie, New Jersey and Lexington. It was an historic year and no racing fan can deny the sheer delight of witnessing a Triple Crown champion in American Pharoah. The three-year-old colt not only would become the first horse since 1978 to accomplish the illusive feat, but he’d also go on to be the first ever to sweep a Grand Slam (Triple Crown + Breeders’ Cup Classic) en route to capping his career off with $8.6 million in earnings, making him a likely Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year.
Although racing certainly was exciting south of the border, we had plenty to be proud of in Canada with a competitive three-year-old division which saw three separate horses win each leg of our own Triple Crown: Shaman Ghost, Breaking Lucky and Danish Dynaformer respectively. A Woodbine-based filly named Academic however would travel out west and accomplish some great feats including the Canadian Derby, which could definitely sway voters in Horse of the Year voting in her favour.
To me, the strongest performances came in the two-year-old divisions. For the first time ever a Woodbine-based filly would go south to win the $1-million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf in Catch a Glimpse. Caren also has been a monster, showing great versatility no matter short nor far including a win in the country’s most important race for fillies in her division, the Princess Elizabeth Stakes. Riker was undefeated in Canada before performing respectably in the $1-million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, under Jesse Campbell, who also pilots Caren. And Conquest Enforcer dropped the jaws of everyone including Woodbine‘s CEO, Jim Lawson, with a powerful display in the $250k Cup and Saucer at Woodbine, leaving us wanting more. Meanwhile Shakhimat (translation: “check mate”) gave us every reason to believe he well could be the favourite in next year’s Queen’s Plate, to be held Sunday, July 3, 2016. He crushed a talented field in the $250k Coronation Futurity last month.
Enough words, more pictures. Enjoy.
Mr. Will
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Fascinators! Fashion! Fast Horses! Fabulaaaas! Woodbine Racetrack was the place to be yesterday for the 156th running of North America’s most historic Horse Race, the Queen’s Plate. If there were any doubt of a sharp resurgence in the popularity of the Sport, record betting handles were reported yesterday with a total $11.06 million bet, smashing 2009’s $9.7 million record. Attribute it to new icon AMERICAN PHAROAH and his U.S. Triple Crown feat, or a smart advertising strategy – either way, Horse Racing is back.
SHAMAN GHOST would go-on to win the $1-million race restricted to three-year-old horses born in Canada, with a total twelve males and one female entrant. The handsome Frank Stronach-owned colt by the stallion Ghostzapper (also owned by Stronach) would sweep on by the competition late to win by 1 1/4 lengths under U.S. jockey Rafael Hernandez, paying $8.60 to a $2 bet. Race Favourite DANISH DYNAMFORMER almost looked like he was going to win the race under Patrick Husbands – who won the race with LEXIE LOU last year – but simply was outfinished. CONQUEST BOOGALOO who was thought widely to be a second-tier colt from the barn of champion trainer Mark Casse, rose to the occasion to finish third after a horrific start to the race which saw him shut-out. His two more high profile stablemates DANZIG MOON and CONQUEST CURLINATE were thought to be top contenders before suffering unfortunate fates, the former being euthanized tragically and the latter being retired after a brief but promising career.
Earlier on the 13-race Card, we saw promising two-year-old BELIVEAU win under Patrick Husbands for trainer Mark Casse and owners Windways Farm & Partners in the $150k Clarendon Stakes. Champion mare STRUT THE COURSE did exactly as her name suggests before a packed grandstand in the $200k Grade II Dance Smartly Stakes, under Luis Contreras for Owner John Unger and trainer Barb Minshall. The speedy GO BLUE OR GO HOME would win the $200k Highlander Stakes a second time (he won it in 2013) for Owners Jim & Susan Hill and trainer Reade Baker, with now-Woodbine-based jockey Alan Garcia. ALDOUS SNOW, named after Russell Brand‘s memorable character in Get Him to the Greek, would defend his title successfully in the $150k Singspiel Stakes for iconic Canadian outfit Sam-Son Farm, trainer Malcolm Pierce and jockey Eurico Rosa Da Silva.
From a fashion standpoint, we definitely saw men and women bringing their Fashion A-Game to the table, thanks to the high-profile presence of CTV‘s The Social, which had a tent set-up by the Hats & Horseshoes Party by Woodbine‘s scenic Walking Ring. Ladies put thought into their looks with a rainbow of Fascinators, while men are embracing tailoring and more form-fitting cuts. Hosts Cynthia Loyst, Lainey Lui, Traci Melchor and Melissa Grelo heightened the fun and prestige as several high-profile entertainment industry-types were seen taking-in the atmosphere. Rethink Breast Cancer also had a great presence with a tent set-up, hosting several influencial fashion-types, with ticket proceeds going towards research and awareness.
See the Race:
Enough typing, let’s do some gawking!
With the stunning Bri Mott of Fashion at the Races:
My female equivalents:
They are basically the female equivalents of me. So cute! Asian Girls love their Technology. #QueensPlate #QP15 #HorseRacing A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Anita Clarke, Fashion Blogger for I Want I Got and Influencer – in my opinion, best-dressed!
Metallic Man:
This. Taking my inspiration from him and incorporating some #metallic into my life. #QP15 #QueensPlate A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
David Dunkley, official Queen’s Plate Milliner at The Social Tent:
This ain’t the Run for the Roses, but…
This ain’t the Run for the Roses, but I am loving everything about this. #QueensPlate #QP15 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Michael Balaz of Sam-Son Farms and his Guest, Christina:
The Family of jockey Luis Contreras:
I love the Contreras Family. Always looking on-point. Life goals. #HorseRacing #LuisContreras #Jockey #QP15 #QueensPlate A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Conquest Stables’ Ernie Semersky, Dory Newell & Family… love these guys!
How amazing is it that the Team Casse boys co-ordinated their outfits for Conquest Stables?
Woodbine‘s Stacey Boyd and the official Queen’s Plate Cocktail, the Blue Diamond:
Was two Blue Diamonds excessive?! No???
Are two #BlueDiamonds at once too many? Savouring the signature #QueensPlate Cocktail at the #HatsandHorseshoesParty. #QP15 #Cocktail #HorseRacing #DoubleFisting A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
My darling Dawn Lupul, who did a bang-up job pickin’ the Winners and interviewing!
Jockeys Alan Garcia (left) and Jesse Campbell (right) getting briefed by Trainer Reade Baker:
Showing the lone Queen’s Plate filly ACADEMIC some support.
With Woodbine Oaks Winner, #Academic. I always root for the filly. Thanks @reddogcw for this pic. #QueensPlate #QP15 #HorseRacing A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Emma-Jayne Wilson snapping a photo with EASY INDYGO‘s connections before the Queen’s Plate:
Beautiful Champion STRUT THE COURSE victorious in the Dance Smartly Stakes!
Promising two-year-old BELIVEAU under reigning Champion Patrick Husbands after winning the Clarendon Stakes:
ALDOUS SNOW under jockey Eurico Rosa Da Silva winning the Singspiel Stakes:
#AldousSnow, who was named after #RussellBrand’s character in #GetHimToTheGreek, victorious in the Singspiel Stakes. We always joke at the barn how his father must be a black man because he has such a full, rich head of hair! #QP15 #QueensPlate #HorseRacing A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Loved seeing my girl and top Film Publicist Charlene Coy (right) & Friends at The Social Tent:
New Woodbine CEO Jim Lawson, who guided the Track to record numbers yesterday + Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell:
Top Mark Casse Exercise Rider and former jockey, Corey Fraser + me:
Woodbine‘s John Siscos + Steve Lym sharing a laugh:
A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Camera Crews gotta get that shot on-fleek!
Gotta get that shot. #QueensPlate #QP15 #HorseRacing A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
The glamorous ladies of Chiefswood Stable:
A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Queen’s Plate-winning jockey Rafael Hernandez:
Your handsome #QueensPlate winning #jockey, #RafaelHernandez. #QP15 #HorseRacing
A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Queen’s Plate-winning trainer Brian Lynch:
Introducing #QueensPlate winning Trainer of #ShamanGhost, the Aussie #BrianLynch. #QP15 #HorseRacing A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
SHAMAN GHOST winning the 156th Queen’s Plate under a fist-pumping Rafael Hernandez:
#RafaelHernandez brining #ShamanGhost home in the #QueensPlate. #HorseRacing #QP15
A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Frank Stronach leading SHAMAN GHOST into the Winner’s Circle:
So happy for the good people at #FrankStronach’s Stable on their #QueensPlate victory with #ShamanGhost. #QP15 #HorseRacing A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Expensive Confetti:
A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Riding into the Sunset:
Until next year… #ShamanGhost #QueensPlate #QP15 #HorseRacing
A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
A special thanks to Acura Canada for letting me try their amazing TLX and Tytan Ties for custom-designing my Bowtie!
Mr. Will + Shaman Ghost:
Mr. Will + Danish Dynaformer:
With the official favourite for tomorrow’s #QueensPlate, #DanishDynaformer… and his teddy bear! #QP15 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Mr. Will + Conquest Boogaloo:
With #ConquestBoogaloo, not to be overlooked in tomorrow’s #QueensPlate. #QP15
A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Mr. Will + Conquest Curlinate:
With #ConquestCurlinate, who is recovering nicely from his sesamoid injury. Had a great appetite today. #QP15 #QueensPlate A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Did you know that all it takes is a quick Selfie at Woodbine Racetrack at any point in their 2015 season to win $1k? Simply use the Hashtag #OFFTOTHERACES on Social Media to qualify!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
This post was created in partnership with Woodbine Racetrack.
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