First run in 1889, the Breeders’ Stakes will take place this Sunday at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto. The race, known as the third jewel in Canada’s Triple Crown will be run over 1 1/2 miles on Woodbine‘s lush turf course with a 5:13 PM EST post-time and a value of $500k.  For those of you following the story, Triple Crown veterans DANISH DYNAFORMER, CONQUEST BOOGALOO and BREAKING LUCKY will be squaring-off once again, the latter looking to capture two out of three legs of the series after an upset win late July at Fort Erie in the Prince of Wales Stakes.

Sunday’s field includes:

Obstacles the field face are that this is the only race in the Triple Crown run on the grass, the third race in six weeks for the Triple Crown veterans and most of all, the challenging 1 1/2 mile distance will be a true test of stamina for all. DANISH DYNAFORMER, SAMUEL DECHAMPLAIN, CONQUEST BOOGALOO and LUCKY LINDY all have proven themselves on the grass either having won a race or finishing within the top three against stakes company on the surface.

If you are attending Sunday, there also is an exciting race earlier on the card, the $200k Grade 2 Sky Classic Stakes which features an exciting field including Sam-Son Farm‘s ALDOUS SNOW, who won on Queen’s Plate Day in the Singspiel Stakes.  U.S. invader MR. SPEAKER comes from the reputed Phipps Stable, having won a stellar $1.06 million against top-class competition includng the Grade 1 Belmont Derby.  ARE YOU KIDDING ME is having a career season, absolutely unbeatable in a pair of Grade 2 races locally including the Eclipse and Nijinsky Stakes.

Things to keep in mind:

1. Your first bet is free!  Register on the third floor for your free bet upon arrival.
2. Parking and admission are absolutely free.
3. The first race goes-off at 1:00 PM EST.
4. You also can tune in on TSN 4:30 PM EST.

Can’t make it out Sunday? You won’t want to miss the $1-million Ricoh Woodbine Mile on Sunday, September 13, 2015, buzzed highly as two-time North American Horse of the Year WISE DAN’s big return to the races.  The racing icon has overcome multiple health issues and is fit and ready to fight against the young ones and all eyes are on him.  He in fact has won the race twice already.

If you see me, come say “hi” and remember to Tweet that Selfie of yourself at Woodbine using the Hashtag #OFFTOTHERACES for a shot at $1,000!

Easy.

Now for the fun stuff!  I want to invite one Reader for lunch and drinks at Woodbine this Sunday in celebration of the Breeders’ Stakes! You’ll even get a free betting card! All you have to do is “like” this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook by tomorrow, Friday, August 14, 2015. In the comments section, tell me why you would make an awesome lunch date!

See you at the races! The weather should be great!

To learn more, including directions how to get there, CLICK HERE.

Mr. Will and winner of the 2014 Breeders’ Stakes, AMI’S HOLIDAY:

Who’s coming to the #BreedersStakes Sunday at @woodbineracing? Final jewel in Canada’s Triple Crown! I’m with the charming Ami’s Holiday, last year’s winner. #BetWoodbine #OfftotheRaces #HorseRacing

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Aug 13, 2015 at 6:59am PDT

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

This post was created in partnership with Woodbine Racetrack.

We had the sheer joy of experiencing the $1.75 million 2015 Haskell Invitational in-person at Monmouth Park. With crowds reaching record attendance (60k+) and fans hoping for a chance to witness a piece of history in star entrant American Pharoah – the first horse to win the American Triple Crown in 37 years –  New Jersey Transit pulled-out all precautions needed, adding service to the Racetrack on four more routes.

The vibe was festive as several families planted themselves trackside for an exhilarating afternoon of races. Baseball caps commemorating the race were handed out, food trucks were parked and the afternoon would place the exciting undercard front and center, with jockey Paco Lopez boasting four wins.

Winners today included:

-$100k The Lady’s Secret Stakes won by Got Lucky under Paco Lopez for Hill ‘n’ Dale & P.J. Steiner,  trained Todd Pletcher.

-$150k Grade III The Winstar Matchmaker Stakes won by Casual Smile, owned by William S. Farish and trained by Chad Brown, under Abel Castellano Jr.

-$150k Grade III The Oceanport Stakes won by Heart to Heart, owned by Terry Hamilton and trained by Woodbine‘s Brian Lynch with Hothersal,  also an Ontario-bred, placing second.

-$100k The Teddy Drone Stakes won by fan favourite Wildcat Red, for Honors Stable and Jose Garoffalo, under Paco Lopez.

-$200k Grade II The Monmouth Cup won by Bradester, owned by Joseph W. Sutton, trained by Eddie Kenneally and ridden by Corey Lanerie.

This year’s renewal of the Haskell Invitational was full of star power. In addition to American Pharoah being the first American Triple Crown winner in 37 years as a primary draw, stars were scattered throughout every corner of the facility, which rings with a charm of another era. Rumours spread that Bruce Springsteen, Eli Manning, Michael Jordan and Derek Jeter were milling about, although physically we saw Bon Jovi‘s Richie Sambora and a Haskell “Riders Up” call by none other than Bill Murray! Despite the Paddock area being open much of the day to Media, a mass exodus was done prior to the Haskell, with only a select few granted access due to some of the high profile types in attendance.

At 5:45 PM EST, the main event would run, but not without Jersey darling Springsteen‘s Born to Run blaring as the field came onto the Track. Cheers were deafening for American Pharoah, an elegant, lean and unsuspecting bay colt who would capture the heart of a nation. Not to take anything away from his peers, but the man of the hour certainly was jockey Victor Espinosa, riding a late career Renaissance piloting back-to-back Kentucky Derby winners and presumably Horse of the Year honours two years in-a-row (last year with California Chrome). The race would go off without a hitch and American Pharoah would rate just off the pace before making a sweeping move into the final turn, winning effortlessly in a quick 1:47.9 for 1 1/8 miles.

See a Replay:

The post-race festivities were grand. American Pharoah would be paraded out after his victory, causing a bumpy frenzy of photography – some who came as far as Australia to cover the race. What ensued next looked like hundreds of people crammed into the compact Winner’s Enclosure as trainer Bob Baffert spoke to the Media for a minute before appearing at a Press Conference with winning owners, Zayat Stables LLC and rider, Espinoza.

The experience will not be forgotten. Let’s relive the 2015 Haskell Invitational through a series of our Photos!

Monmouth Park Walking Ring

The gorgeous Walking Ring at Monmouth Park. #Haskell2015 #BetWoodbine #GetintheGame #HorseRacing

A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on Aug 2, 2015 at 9:33am PDT

Barn 12: Hotel Suite of American Pharoah

#AmericanPharoah resting up in Barn 12 for #Haskell2015 later today! #BetWoodbine #MonmouthPark #HorseRacing #GetintheGame A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on Aug 2, 2015 at 9:37am PDT

American Pharoah Merch

I mean, who wouldn’t want an #AmericanPharoah T-Shirt, right? #Haskell2015 #GetintheGame #BetWoodbine #HorseRacing #MonmouthPark

A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on Aug 2, 2015 at 10:51am PDT

Got Lucky

The secret is out! GOT LUCKY (#APIndy) steals the show in the Lady’s Secret for Todd Pletcher, under Paco Lopez! #GetintheGame #Haskell2015 #HorseRacing #BetWoodbine A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on Aug 2, 2015 at 10:23am PDT

Mike Smith

Legendary #MikeSmith greeting fans on the #Haskell2015 Undercard. #Jockey #MonmouthPark #GetintheGame #HorseRacing

A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on Aug 2, 2015 at 9:43am PDT

Abel Castellano and Son

#AbelCastellano sharing a tender moment with his son as “God Bless America” plays. #Haskell2015 #Jockey #HorseRacing #BetWoodbine #GetintheGame #MonmouthPark A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on Aug 2, 2015 at 10:55am PDT

Paco Lopez

#PacoLopez leads #Haskell2015 Day so far with three wins! #GetintheGame #BetWoodbine #Jockey #HorseRacing

A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on Aug 2, 2015 at 11:25am PDT

Donna Brothers

The lovely #DonnaBrothers for NBC. #Haskell2015 #MonmouthPark #BetWoodbine #HorseRacing #GetintheGame A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on Aug 2, 2015 at 1:14pm PDT

Victor Espinoza

Man of the hour, #VictorEspinoza. #AmericanPharoah #Haskell2015 #MonmouthPark #Jockey #BetWoodbine Woodbine #GetintheGame

A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on Aug 2, 2015 at 1:05pm PDT

Wildcat Red

WILDCAT RED wins the Teddy Drone Stakes. #Haskell2015 #HorseRacing #GetintheGame #BetWoodbine A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on Aug 2, 2015 at 1:08pm PDT

Casual Smile

CASUAL SMILE (#SeatheStars) wins the Winstar Matchmaker Stakes! #Haskell2015 #GetintheGame #MonmouthPark #BetWoodbine #GetintheGame

A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on Aug 2, 2015 at 1:09pm PDT

Heart to Heart

Ahh, there’s a sight for sore eyes. We miss #HearttoHeart. Here he is heading off to run in the Oceanport Cup; #VictorEspinoza aboard. #Haskell2015 #GetintheGame #HorseRacing #BetWoodbine A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on Aug 2, 2015 at 2:04pm PDT

Hothersal

Eugene Melnyk Ontario-bred Hothersal finishes second to #HearttoHeart in the Oceanport. #MonmouthPark #Haskell2015 #BetWoodbine #HorseRacing #GetintheGame

A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on Aug 2, 2015 at 2:10pm PDT

Bill Murray

“Riders up!” – #BillMurray was a special celebrity guest today at #Haskell2015. #GetintheGame #HorseRacing #BetWoodbine #MonmouthPark A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on Aug 2, 2015 at 4:07pm PDT

American Pharoah

 

Our boy, #AmericanPharoah! #Haskell2015 #HaskellInvitational #MonmouthPark #BetWoodbine #HorseRacing #GetintheGame

A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on Aug 2, 2015 at 2:32pm PDT

American Pharoah

Congratulations to #AMERICANPHAROAH, Zayat Stables LLC, Team Baffert and Victor Espinoza on a smashing (effortless too!) win in #Haskell2015! #HorseRacing #GetintheGame #BetWoodbine #MonmouthPark A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on Aug 2, 2015 at 3:51pm PDT

Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi)

So cool meeting pride of #NewJersey, #RichieSambora of #BonJovi at #Haskell2015!

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Aug 2, 2015 at 4:43pm PDT

Justin Zayat (Zayat Stables)

Congrats to @JustinZayat of Zayat Stables, which owns #AmericanPharoah. #Haskell2015 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Aug 2, 2015 at 4:41pm PDT

Monmouth Park

Thank you for all your engagement @WoodbineRacing Fans! And congrats to @MonmouthPark on record-breaking numbers today at #Haskell2015! #BetWoodbine – Mr. Will – A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on Aug 2, 2015 at 4:21pm PDT

And of course we never leave you guys empty-handed!  How about an official 2015 Haskell Invtational program signed by Victor Espinoza, jockey of American Pharoah?

Simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook to enter. All are welcome.  G’luck.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/TVG)

The 156th Queen’s Plate is less than two weeks away. Have you got your tickets yet? The realms of Fashion and Sports collide on Canadian Horse Racing’s biggest day Sunday, July 5, 2015 as the Country’s best three-year-olds face-off in the $1 million race, known as the most historic thoroughbred race in North America!

This quite honestly is the most competitive year yet and it really could be anybody’s race. Will Plate Trial winner DANISH DYNAFORMER repeat a dynamic performance?  Will CONQUEST CURLINATE set matters straight after a narrow defeat in the Plate Trial?  Will the lovely and talented filly ACADEMIC school the boys? Will SHAMAN GHOST terrify his competitors?  Will AMI’S FLATTER compliment his supporters after being stamped the Winterbook choice to win the race earlier this year?  Or will CONQUEST BOOGALOO funk us up?  We’ll know v. soon.

All are welcome to the Hats & Horseshoes Party (18+ only) by the scenic Walking Ring at Woodbine Racetrack.  Fans new and old are encouraged to come! In addition to a thrilling card of Live Racing, there will be a red carpet, live entertainment, food trucks, games and a chance for you to experience the official cocktail of the Queen’s Plate, the Blue Diamond! Bring your best hat or fascinator and be your own King or Queen!

In addition to glamour and excitement, $1 from every program and ticket sold for the Queen’s Plate will once again go to Rethink Breast Cancer!

Click here to get your tickets now! There aren’t many left, so hurry!

See this year’s groundbreaking LEGO TV Spot for the Queen’s Plate!

Yesterday we sent-off a Legend.  Known as “The Voice of Woodbine” for the past 29 years, Race Announcer Dan Loiselle now is officially retired after calling his final race yesterday, the Lady Angela Stakes at the Toronto Racecourse.

As a huge Racing Fan, this comes with mixed emotions.  Sure, we are happy to see him get a well-deserved break at last but more for selfish reasons, we are sad to see him go.  Since childhood and as long as I remember going to Woodbine Racetrack, Loiselle‘s voice became synoymous with the thrill of a stretch drive, distancing the Winner that much further from the Runners-up. It could have been a Photo Finish, but Loiselle had you believing the Winner won by a mile. Each Race Call had its own individual story and he never was short on ideas to tell them smartly.  Fans partly were cheering for the horses and jockeys, but few could deny that the excitement of a race finish at Woodbine was heightened considerably by Loiselle‘s exhilarating narrative. The tremor in his Baritone, the perspective and heart of a true Racing Fan. He told each Race as a Fan would see it, but a level of dexterity and accuracy no other Fan ever could.

Upon running into Loiselle this past Winter at an Open House event which he hosted, I semi-jokingly expressed my disapproval of his then-forthcoming retirement, crying “How dare you retire on me Dan!?”.  He gave back an appreciative expression, but I knew at that point he was beyond a doubt certain of his decision and there wouldn’t be any reconsideration. Trust me, we’ve seen many false retirements in the Sport.

It brings me a great sense of pride to know that Loiselle considers me a Friend and upon exchanging hugs before his final Race Call yesterday, he tells me, “Will Wong, you’re a great Friend to have!”.

I’m going to miss Dan Loiselle so much, but know he won’t be that far away.  I wish his Wife Wendy Loiselle, also an Employee at Woodbine nothing but happiness in this next chapter of their lives.  We also look forward greatly to the Race Calls of Robert Geller, who comes to Woodbine Saturday, June 13th, by way of Emerald Downs in Washington.

Some of my favourite Race Calls from Loiselle…

Dance Smartly winning the Breeders’ Stakes:

Sky Classic winning the Rothman’s International:

Benburb winning the Molson Export Million:

Izvestia winning the Queen’s Plate:

Lexie Lou winning the Queen’s Plate:

See our Snap:

So honoured to call this man a Friend. Sad to be sending off The Voice of @woodbineracing, #DanLoiselle today. The joys he has given us racing fans are uncountable. Wishing him a well-deserved and happy retirement! #Woodbine #Racetrack #HorseRacing #GetintheGame

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 31, 2015 at 10:52am PDT

Sending off #DanLoiselle in celebratory fashion! A big round of applause for the Voice of @woodbineracing! #Woodbine #Racetrack #HorseRacing #GetintheGame

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 31, 2015 at 12:16pm PDT

(Photo/video credit: Woodbine Entertainment/Mr. Will Wong)

The 2014 Sovereign Award Nominees have been announced and we’re thrilled to see many of our Friends get recognition at the Awards, honouring the finest in Canadian Thoroughbred Racing on Friday, April 10, 2015.

Make no mistake – Horse of the Year honours truly is a one-horse Race with Canada’s star Filly and Queen’s Plate Champion LEXIE LOU a horseshoe-in for the win, although Finalists in that coveted category only will be revealed the night of the Awards.

Expected to win Two-Year-Old Male by a margin is Conquest Tsunami, who had a marvelous campaign for his Illinois-based Owners Conquest Stables LLC, before finding some success in the U.S..   Champion Three-Year-Old Male is a competitive division in a year where the spotlight was shared by several Boys including Breeders’ Stakes Winner Ami’s Holiday and Prince of Wales Stakes Winner, Coltimus Prime. Mark Casse is expected to be a definitive choice in the Trainer category, winning 93 races and $7.7 million in purse earnings at Woodbine. Patrick Husbands, a regular rider for Team Casse also is a clear-cut choice in the Jockey category with 170 wins in 2014 at the Toronto Oval.

Here are the Nominees in all categories:

Champion Two-Year-Old Filly
Brooklynsway
Conquest Harlanate
London Tower
Mississippi Delta

Champion Two-Year-Old Male
Conquest Tsunami
Conquest Typhoon
Decision Day
Phil’s Cocktail

Champion Three-Year-Old Female
Executive Allure
Lexie Lou
Paladin Bay
Sweater Weather

Champion Three-Year-Old Male
Ami’s Holiday
Coltimus Prime
Florida Won
Heart to Heart

Champion Older Female
Hillaby
Silent Star
Spring in the Air
Strut the Course

Champion Older Male
Calgary Cat
Lukes Alley
Sharp Sensation
Sky Captain

Champion Female Turf Horse
Deceptive Vision
Executive Allure
Lexie Lou
Royal Fury

Champion Male Turf Horse
Dynamic Sky
Excaper
Heart to Heart
Sharp Sensation

Champion Female Sprinter
Cactus Kris
Executive Allure
Hillaby
Spring in the Air

Champion Male Sprinter
Calgary Cat
Excaper
Phil’s Dream
Sharp Sensation

Outstanding Broodmare
Cruising Kris
Eye of the Sphynx
Star Guest
Uproar

Outstanding Breeder
Adena Springs
Paradox Farm Inc.
Sam-Son Farm
William Sorokolit

Outstanding Owner
Gary Barber
Conquest Stables, LLC
John C. Oxley
Sam-Son Farm

Outstanding Trainer
Josie Carroll
Mark Casse
Brian Lynch
Greg Tracy

Outstanding Apprentice Jockey
Damario Bynoe
Sheena Ryan
Ericka Smilovsky
Nick Webb

Outstanding Jockey
Luis Contreras
Eurico Da Silva
Patrick Husbands
Rico Walcott

Nominees in Media Categories also will be announced late February and we wish all our Friends the best of luck!

Maybe one day we’ll be good enough to get a nod!

The 2015 Thoroughbred Season at Woodbine Racetrack begins Saturday, April 11, 2015 and we can’t wait for this winter to be over so that we can reunite with our Fave!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Horses always have been my other passion and if I am free, you know absolutely where to find me on weekends – Woodbine Racetrack! Other than being an Advocate of Entertainment in Canada, spreading the pure joy which Horse Racing brings me is something I take great pride in. My Family and I don’t agree on everything, but we all agree on our love of the Sport.

Although I am not a big Bettor by any measure, I do find myself a vastly-improving Handicapper, over the years getting to know the physical cues to look for in picking a Winner. My minuscule bets this year helped pay for a flight to New York and sometimes it’s nice having a bit of lunch money! Although it isn’t always about a Horses’ appearance, seeing the Horses up-close certainly gives you an advantage in being able to scope-out behavioural signs, musculature, composition and coat sheen.

I’ve adored these Athletes from a v. young age and always will be an Advocate for the Sport. It has been an absolute joy getting to know many at the Track these past few years especially, everyone from the Horses, Fans, Gamblers, Owners, Jockeys, Trainers, Grooms, Walkers, Handicappers, the Press Box and the Operational Staff. Each person has their own individual story and reason for being drawn to the Races.

It was a remarkable year for Canadian Racing with several new memories created. None would shine as bright nor make us as proud as the great Canadian Filly, LEXIE LOU. The thunderous applause that filled the Grandstand Queen’s Plate Day as Racing Fans old and new saw her crush her male opponents, made my eyes well with tears and seeing her run her heart out a valiant second in the Hollywood Derby to this year’s Kentucky Derby Winner CALIFORNIA CHROME, reiterates how incredibly-proud I am to be a Canadian.

Here are just some of the several thousand Snaps I took in and around the Racetrack in 2014.
Sit back and enjoy this fast-paced jog down Memory Lane:

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)

In the ’90s, most Kids hung-out at the Mall or did House Parties on weekends.  My single delight every Saturday and Sunday was going to the Races with my Parents.  In that era, there was no Star brighter than CIGAR.  The two-time Horse of the Year had us Racing Fans at the edge of our seats with a 16-race win streak stretching from October 1994 through July 1996.

Even after the streak ended, CIGAR still was going strong before ending a remarkable Career at Woodbine Racetrack here in Toronto (like Secretariat in 1973) with a game third-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.  He retired just shy of the $10-million mark in earnings (an all-time record) winning everywhere from California to New York to Dubai.  Horses like CIGAR literally are one in a million and he not only was America’s Horse.  He was the Horse of Racing Fans around the World.

The Maryland-bred Colt owned by Allen Paulson, a prominent Aircraft Developer and Businessman, exceeded any expectations of him beginning his Career with an unsuspecting seventh place finish at Santa Anita Park in California.  After switching from grass to the dirt, things took-off rather well for him and what we had was a true Racing Icon – a Hall of Famer – and no doubt one of the greatest of all time.

The Canadian connection certainly was there too.  His paternal Great-Grandfather, Oshawa’s Windfields Farm-bred Norther Dancer, to this day is hailed for passing-on the genetic foundation of many of today’s brightest Racing Stars.  His maternal Grandfather Seattle Slew also is an American Racing Icon, winning the coveted Triple Crown in 1997.

I never had the honour of seeing the great CIGAR in-person, but admired him deeply from our living room TV Set.  He was a Star.  Despite not having much luck as a Stallion following his Career on-track – all 37 mares bred to him failed to become pregnant – he lived a peaceful life at the Kentucky Horse Park of Champions, passing away yesterday at the age of 24  following surgery for a neck problem he was experiencing.

Thank you CIGAR, for the memories.  Thank you for your Legacy.

Watch CIGAR‘s final race at Woodbine here:

Hey. I admit it. I had no idea what ALS was neither. As cliché as it is this late in the game, I decided to step-up to my terrible fear of being soaked. I can’t swim. I tried learning as a Kid but floundered and never picked it up again. A couple weeks ago my friends at Woodbine Racetrack kindly sent me a Press Release advising me I had been challenged by my friend, Assistant Trainer Jeff “Skippy” Bowen to partake in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

I quickly read-up on ALS and was heartbroken how debilitating the Disease is and remember being angered how little attention has been devoted to it. I sat on it for a bit. My number one fear is getting sick this close to TIFF ’14, only a week away. I live for the Festival and need to be healthy for it.  In the end, I did it.

Here is my ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Video:

With the popularity of the Viral Phenomenon known as the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, ALS Canada already has exceeded its target of $5 million. This isn’t an excuse for us to stop.

Donate generously here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Invictus, Shanghai Noon, Skyfall, Footloose, The Tourist, Bruce Almighty, Evan Almighty, RoboCop, 21 Jump Street, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.  If you’ve seen any of these Films, chances are, you know the work of Gary Barber.  The American Film Producer and CEO/Chairman of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer of South African origins, certainly is a respected entity also in the World of Horse Racing too with a number of top-tier Competitors in his Stable under the care of Trainer Mark Casse at Woodbine Racetack in Toronto.

Just last month, he won the most important race in the Country with his star filly, Lexie Lou whom he purchased only earlier this year for what seems like a bargain price of $400k.   Although Barber was unable to attend that Race –  the Queen’s Plate –  he certainly made up for it in a big way yesterday at Woodbine Racetrack.  Two of his Stable Stars, the vastly-improved Kaigun and Lexie Lou swept the two Feature Races of the day, the Grade II Play the King Stakes and also the Wonder Where Stakes, respectively.

We had the amazing opportunity of meeting Barber, who was in great spirits, stopping to pose for Photos on the Turf Course for Track Photographer Mike Burns, as Assistant Trainer Katherine Sullivan showed him around the facilities.  He even gave me a fist-bump after Lexie Lou‘s Victory, thanking me for my support!

We of course are a huge Fan of Barber and Lexie Lou!

See her latest win below:

Our Snap with Barber:

See our Snap (thanks Julie Wright  for this!) with Lexie Lou and Assistant Trainer David Adams:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong | Video credit: Woodbine Entertainment Group)