#HORSERACING: “EBLOUISSANTE”, HALF-SISTER TO “ZENYATTA” A PERFECT 2-FOR-2

Too exciting!  Those of you who follow my Horse Racing Blog Posts will remember how passionate I was about pretty much the greatest Filly who ever existed, Zenyatta.  The Superhorse retired with a phenomenal 20 Race Record of 19-1-0, and believe me her final Race in the $5-million 2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic was such a close one, giving it all her might against the Boys only to lose by a slight nose.  While we’re waiting for her Babies to make it to the Track, we have her Sister to keep us plenty interested!

If History/Genetics should repeat itself, we have every reason to be super-excited for Zenyatta‘s Half-Sister Eblouissante (her name in French means “dazzling”), who just turned four-years-old recently, running  brilliantly today at Santa Anita Park in California.  The beautiful Filly originally was to run her second race last month but unfortunately had bumped her hip the day of that Race, resulting in the decision to give her a bit more time off.

She proved she was well worth the wait today, winning with a little bit of effort as the Heavy Favourite, silencing her v. few Disbelievers.  Laying low at the back of the pack for much of the Race, she rallied late showing them who’s Boss to win by 1 1/4 lengths almost a full second quicker than in her Debut at Betfair Hollywood Park. By comparison though, Big Sister Zenyatta‘s first try at the  popular distance of 1 1/16 miles, was a four full seconds quicker back in 2007.

Trainer John Shirreffs, who also handled  Zenyatta, is hinting  a step-up in class next time out in a Stakes Race, her first real test of ability.  We soon will know just how great she truly is either mid-February or mid-March.

Watch the Race below (she’s #5):

I had the pleasure of meeting  Corey Nakatani, Jockey of Eblouissante – or just Ebby as her Fans call her – back in 2011, as he treks out to Toronto’s Woodbine Racetrack a couple times a year for some of our bigger Races. Can’t wait to see him up north again this Season!

Become a Fan of Eblouissante here on Facebook!

(Photo credit: @SantaAnitaPark | Video credit: Los Angeles Times)

CHANTAL SUTHERLAND ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT FROM HORSE RACING

This breaks my heart. Woodbine‘s Pride and Joy Chantal Sutherland announced her v. sudden Retirement from Horse Racing today after an outstanding Career which saw her win the Sovereign Award for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey in Canada twice and almost becoming the first-ever Female Jockey to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic aboard Game on Dude last year.

Sutherland‘s popularity spread also South of the Border with spreads in Vanity Fair, Vogue and more recently she starred in HBO‘s ill-fated but acclaimed Series, Luck.  She tells my dear Friend and esteemed Commentator Dawn Lupul following her final race today with mixed emotions, “In this Game you have to be all in it. There’s no half-way. I’m starting to be half-way and it doesn’t work that way.  To be on-top and to be where I wanted to be – to be winning a lot of races… you have to be six, seven days a week and very, very committed.”.

After getting married earlier this year, Sutherland now is turning her focus to relaxing and hinted that she may train for a Triathalon. Spending time with her Sister in Ottawa also is going to be a reality soon as she looks forward to watching her Nephew and Niece grow-up.

Admittedly, after watching this Interview a few times, something tells me that we haven’t seen the last of Sutherland in the Irons and perhaps after she spends time away to regroup, she just might be back? I just don’t get the sense that this is over. It has been a tough year and to see her talk about how cruel the Sport can be, is just saddening.

Horse Racing just won’t be the same without Sutherland and she will be remembered for what she’s done to pave the way for other young Women in the Sport. Although there have been and will continue to be many wonderful Female Jockeys to come, there is and always will be only one Chantal Sutherland. A remarkable Woman.

Watch her Interview below:

I had the Honour of meeting Sutherland around this time last year. Read about my Moment here.

(Photo/video credit: Woodbine Entertainment Group)

PARTY WITH MR. WILL AT WOODBINE RACETRACK!

On Sunday, September 16, 2012, world famous Woodbine Racetrack will be hosting the $1-million Woodbine Mile, bringing together some of the World’s finest Turf Horses in one heart-stopping race.

Woodbine Racetrack & Mr. Will Wong would like  to invite Readers to come out and party at the Track and there will be plenty of $25 Gift Cards to go around for Readers who show up on Woodbine Mile Day! One Reader will get to join Mr. Will up in the VIP Lounge for an afternoon of races, tons of Food and Drinks.  Entrants must be of 19 years of age and provide their own transportation.

For more details on the Woodbine Mile and how to get to Woodbine (easily accessible by TTC or car), click here.

Simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook to qualify before Wednesday, September 12, 2012.  See you there!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)