woodbine
#SPOTTED: SHAGGY IN TORONTO AT WOODBINE CONCERT HALL
Grammy-winning Reggae artist Shaggy returned once again to Toronto tonight for a sold-out show at Woodbine Concert Hall tonight. Zipping through his catalog of hits spanning 1993 when he first debuted with Oh Carolina to his new single Seasons with fellow Jamaican crossover artist Omi.
Known best for his smash hits Boombastic, That Girl, Angel and It Wasn’t Me, he still has got it certainly flying his native Jamaican flag high and proud before a crowd which just couldn’t help but stay on their feet the entire show. Shaggy even schooled the crowd how to do a ‘Caucasian wine’ versus a baby-making ‘Jamaican wine’, which drew enthusiastic laughter from the crowd.
Watch a clip below:
See more Snaps. Hover mouse over left and right of album to navigate slideshow:
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Shaggy was last in town last summer for the Joe Carter Classic and hopefully will be back sooner than later! He brings his tour next to Ohio this weekend.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#HORSERACING: A PIC BY MRWILL’S “PRINCESS DIARIES” (MAY 2017 VOL. II)
She continues to rule our world and are we ever proud of our Princess (A PIC BY MRWILL)! In case you need a reminder how awesome she did in her last race April 29th at Woodbine, here it is!
We congratulate the winner, Fresh Princess, who is regarded as we were reminded many humbling times, as one with stakes potential and she was just too good that day in a field which included a few ‘Princesses’. Our Princess however, was well ahead of the rest and never quit trying. Her pilot Steven Bahen did a superb job keeping her at task and we feel her big day is coming real soon. Will she be ‘victoryesssss‘ in her next start on Woodbine‘s Monday Victoria Day card? What could be more fitting than a Princess winning on the day honouring a Queen?
We’re of the belief that we would rather see Princess face tougher competition, which in turn provides her a better education, rather than breaking her maiden quickly. We are proud of her progress and it is a joy seeing her come into her own as an athlete.
Princess is set to go to post this coming Monday, May 22, 2017 Race 4 (2:33 PM EST) in her first ever test on the turf. We’re beyond thrilled to see the grass races back and even more curious to see how she takes to it. With her beautiful stride, long, lean composition and turf feet, she could well enjoy it. Even if the race for any reason comes off the grass, she will be just fine on the standard Tapeta surface.
As a sidenote, Gertie T who won Princess’ first race on April 15th at Woodbine, already has stepped-up to Allowance company and won again, if that is any indicator.
In the meantime, Princess continues to be in a great place mentally and trains as well as we could hope.
Some recent Snaps of our girl:
OMG! Thanks so much Sienna!! See you guys in an hour trackside!
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See you Victoria Day!
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(Photo/video credit: Woodbine Entertainment Group/Mr. Will Wong/Julie Wright)
#HORSERACING: A PIC BY MRWILL’S “PRINCESS DIARIES” – MAY 2017
It’s a busy time at the barn! It feels just like yesterday that Princess (A Pic by Mrwill) thrilled us with her amazing 2017 debut and after continuing to train v. well and show us all the right signs, she treats us with another race this month! She’s never looked better and is in the best place mentally. We can’t help but thank everyone at Team Ross for keeping her there, from her handler Errol to exercise rider Joshua Scott to John himself.
Hey look @mrwillw it’s the loveliest @APicByMrWill pic.twitter.com/YLnQXWvLLJ
— Emily Shields (@ZenyattaMafia) April 25, 2017
My day is made! Miss Emily came all the way from America to see me with Aunt Julie!
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Morning honeys. Enjoy your Sunday! 🐝pic.twitter.com/UPbyDfj5dx
— Princess 🍎 (@APicByMrWill) April 23, 2017
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(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Woodbine Entertainment Group)
#HORSERACING: CAREN TAKES HORSE OF THE YEAR HONOURS AT THE 2016 SOVEREIGN AWARDS
The 2016 Sovereign Awards took place for the first time ever at Palais Royale, situated on Toronto’s Lakeshore. Honouring the best in Canadian Thoroughbred Racing for 42 years now, the annual fixture brought out a who’s-who in the industry. Winning Horse of the Year honours this year was Robert Marzilli‘s Caren, who also took home Champion Three-Year-Old Female honours. The tough filly last year was thrown all obstacles including a true stamina test on the turf to win the mile-and-a-quarter Wonder Where Stakes in August, defying all expectations. Trained by Michael De Paulo and his team, Caren‘s stablemate Noholdingback Bear also took home Champion Sprinter.
After shocking the racing world with an announcement of their exit from the industry with a complete dispersal of their horses last fall, Conquest Stables (Ernie Semersky and Dory Newell) were honoured as Outstanding Owner, an award which they took home also in 2014. I, along with Woodbine personality Dawn Lupul had the honour of accepting on behalf of Semersky and Newell. I also had the honour of being nominated for Outstanding Photograph, which was awarded to Alberta’s Cody Gregory. We congratulate him on his amazing win!
Mark Casse and his team continued their domination, taking home their ninth Outstanding Trainer title at the awards tonight, his daughter Camille accepting on his behalf. A few of his trainees – current and former – took home hardware this evening including Conquest Enforcer (Champion Turf Male), Lexie Lou (Champion Turf Female – a former Horse of the Year also), King and his Court (Champion Two-Year-Old Male) and Victory to Victory (Champion Two-Year-Old Female).
Jockey Eurico Rosa Da Silva won his third Outstanding Jockey title and just when we thought he was going to exit the stage without doing so, Emcee Jason Portuondo queued him to exclaim his signature line, “Get luck to everybody!”, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
For the first time ever, Outstanding Groom was awarded to Dexter Brathwaite, a member of Barb Minshall‘s team. The award was presented by the OLG.
Hot off the announcement that he has upped the purse of the 2018 Pegasus World Cup to a whopping $16 million, Frank Stronach was honoured for his industry contributions with the E.P. Taylor Award. His daughter Belinda, who is still getting acclimated with the industry her father is so passionate about, joining him on-stage and she told the audience “I’m still learning and one day I”ll graduate”. Stronach’s Adena Springs operation took home Outstanding Breeder.
See our Instagram Story:
#SovereignAwards 2016 Gallery 2.
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(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#HORSERACING: A PIC BY MRWILL’S “PRINCESS DIARIES” – APRIL 2017
The season’s begun and guess what? PRINCESS is back too! We tried keeping this a secret but so much for that! Our girl A PIC BY MRWILL makes her three-year-old debut right in time for the start of the 2017 racing season at Woodbine Saturday, April 15, 2017. Under the silks of her proud parents John Ross and Cathy Wong, she will be ridden for the first time ever by respected journeyman and Avelino Gomez Award recipient Steven Bahen whom she struck a real strong connection with in a breeze last Saturday.
Steven Bahen
Steven who stunned the racing world in 2011 aboard 80-1 upset Queen’s Plate winner T J’s Lucky Moon, has in his career piloted greats like Mt. Sassafrass, Simply Lovely, Silent Fleet, Cinquieme Essai and Nipissing. He unlocked something in Princess we’ve never seen prior before in her workouts and we’re excited to see their chemistry together on the track for the first time! Hopefully the Ross barn’s two wins on opening day in 2016 – one courtesy of Steven – are a sign of things to come? But really, we’re happy just to see progress as she’s shown us all winter in Florida!
Princess a couple weeks back had the honour also of working under #emmazing Emma-Jayne Wilson in a good work, her first since being back at Woodbine. She has been paired with workmate Royal Katy under Katy Morrison and has kept right up.
Some Snaps of that:
She faces a talented and promising field of young ladies making their three-year-old debut at five furlongs, a distance Princess trained at last week. We have a feeling she might want to go a bit longer but this is a great starting point for her to get a race under her belt.
Send all your luck, we need it and appreciate it! See you at the races Saturday? Race 10, #10! Post time is 5:59 PM EST.
Mr. Will x Princess
p.s. Princess is now on Facebook too! Come be her ‘priend’ here.
These past few days have been exciting for her and if you are in Toronto, tune in 6:20 PM EST tonight on CTV during their Sports segment for a feature including Princess, her dad John and Emma! Thanks CTV, Keith McCalmont and Woodbine!
.@CTV_Television also had their chance to meet ‘Princess’ aka @APicByMrWill who was keen to show off her new friend ❤️ pic.twitter.com/UmyrSw84eB
— Keith-TripleDeadHeat (@TripleDeadHeat) April 12, 2017
Best friends. Photo of @APicByMrWill by @mrwillw #horses #horse #HorseRacing #thoroughbred #ontarioracing #woodbine #friends pic.twitter.com/PBU6IznWLq
— Ontario Racing (@ONTRacing) April 10, 2017
Princess in 3D. Coming soon to theatres. 👑
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(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN LUNCH FOR TWO ON OPENING DAY AT WOODBINE RACETRACK
Having grown-up at Woodbine Racetrack, the track holds a dear and special place in my heart. Did you know that the 2017 thoroughbred racing season there begins in less than three weeks?
In addition to the amazing thrill of the sport and the chance to win big, the food at Woodbine is superb. The buffets at The Woodbine Club and Favourites Dining Room make deciding what to eat real simple. Almost everything on the menu is amazing from an extensive range of salads to brunch items (lunch only) to mains and of course, their delectable desserts. You don’t need to know a lot about horse racing to know that beauty is the majestic view of the track you get at either dining room and that delicious are their menu offerings.
Late last year we had the opportunity to chat with George Correia, Executive Chef and Chef de Cuisine Michael Mortensen about their culinary journeys, some of the more high profile clientele they’ve cooked for (even Her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth II has stopped by!) at Woodbine and of course some handy tips we can all use to a quick, no fuss meal at home! I also quiz them on their Food Trivia knowledge and we just may have stumped them on a few things!
Watch below:
If this excites you to want to try some of the amazing dining options at Woodbine Racetrack – and we know you’re salivating – we’re giving away a lunch experience for two to be used 2017 season opening day, Saturday, April 15, 2017. To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. You must be able to travel to Toronto to enjoy this prize.
For an extra chance, you may “favourite” this Tweet on Twitter: @mrwillw or post on Instagram: @mrwillwong.
With a variety of different set-ups, Woodbine‘s got something for every milestone or holiday. Learn how they can make it easy by hosting your own event right here!
Don’t forget to follow Woodbine Racetrack on Twitter: @woodbineracing and their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WoodbineRacing. Tickets now are on sale for the event of the year, the Queen’s Plate!
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The year holds so many milestones for us. For one, for the first time ever we are up for a Media Sovereign Award for Outstanding Photograph. The Awards take place Thursday, April 13, 2017 at Toronto’s Palais Royale with the likes of icon Frank Stronach in attendance, plus many heroes of the sport. Find out how you too can attend the glamorous Sovereign Awards here.
Also, our dear girl A Pic by Mrwill (aka Princess) has been hard at work in Florida all winter prepping her 2017 sophomore season. Don’t forget to read the latest installment of her Princess Diaries here.
See you opening day!
(Photo/video credit: Woodbine Entertainment)
#HORSERACING: A PIC BY MRWILL’S PRINCESS DIARIES – MARCH 2017
She’s back! Our girl Princess (A Pic by Mrwill) officially has made her return to Woodbine! Trucking-in from Classic Mile Training Center in Ocala, Florida where she wintered, Princess made it in early Thursday morning to resume preparations for her eagerly-awaited 2017 sophomore campaign. Team John Ross including assistant Wesley and groom Tedston among others oversaw her development and care and my, has she ever blossomed!
We’ve been keeping a close watch on our dear girl and while there are only a couple reported workouts out of Florida so far this winter, we can say that she has progressed from the horse who fought to keep-up in her workouts now to the one coming-out ahead. Princess’ mom Cathy (seen below) occasionally sends us updates and although I believe what I am told, I sometimes really just need to see it for myself.
Walking into her barn Saturday morning, my first time seeing her in almost four months, I couldn’t believe my eyes! I’m unsure if it’s because her mane has grown-out making her look more elegant or if it’s because she’s sporting that sunny Florida glow, but Princess looked absolutely stunning. She’s never looked better. She’s almost tall enough to touch the top of her her stall door frame! Watch out there, big girl!
Moving a stall down this year, I am happy to see that she has a little window now to help her keep in touch with her training mate Royal Katy, a Colonel John filly who showed lots of promise in non-restricted company last fall at Woodbine finishing close to the likes of Queen’s Plate contender Ellen Vannin, the talented Tulsa and Mark Casse trainees Heard That and Kodiac Gal.
And I had my doubts whether Princess would remember me after not seeing me this long, but how silly was I for thinking that!? She started responding ecstatically once she saw me walk into her barn, knowing exactly what was going down. It’s as if she were Eve, discovering the sweet taste of an Ontario apple for the first time, so unable to contain herself she spat out a chunk biting more than she could chew. I’ve seen her happy and I’ve seen her a bit down, but I’ve never ever seen her this excited!
What I found particularly funny was seeing her respond to barn mates being walked around, poking her head out of her stall and nipping at them. A new habit perhaps? What happened to our sweet Princess?! In all, I’m happy to see her confidence up, which is exactly what we all felt she needed to grow into all along.
Princess releases a statement on her return to Woodbine:
If all goes well hopefully we’ll be seeing Princess’ season debut real soon. Like you, we don’t know where the winter went with less than three weeks left till Woodbine‘s 2017 season begins!
Some fresh snaps of Princess:
Shout-out also to Scacher and Gianni Lighta who are bringing their #WorkCrewStyle (click to check out their YouTube channel about life on the backstretch) to Team John Ross:
… and did you know that Princess has a beautiful two-year-old full sister named Miss G Note? Although we see a clear resemblance, she’s definitely much more reserved than Princess. Light Angel vs. Dark Angel if you will! I’m sure many of you with siblings can relate. Are you a Light Angel like Princess or a Dark Angel like Miss G Note?
#HORSERACING: 2016: A YEAR IN HORSES
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)
#HORSERACING: A PIC BY MRWILL’S PRINCESS DIARIES – THANKSGIVING EDITION
Happy Thanksgiving! It’s been a while since we’ve had an installment of Princess Diaries, so we thought we’d check-in on our sweetheart, A PIC BY MRWILL!
After surprising us with a sharp burst of speed in her last race August 5th, she had us biting our nails in what was her most daring run yet, leading most of the way to tire late at the seven furlong distance. I guess our biggest dilemma still is figuring just how far Princess wants to go. Her first start showed great late kick and that last race she showed unexpected speed out of the gate. Regardless, she has a lot of learning to do, but we’ve seen enough potential and brilliance from her to know she’ll get there.
Princess had a couple setbacks this Summer including a virus which had her coughing quite a bit and also a minor injury preventing her from making a scheduled start on Woodbine Mile Day (how cool it would’ve been to run the same card as Tepin!). While she continues to grow rapidly, Team John Ross is doing the right thing giving her the winter to mature. We all know she is a special filly and we will give her all our patience as we look forward to her three-year-old season.
For now she continues to gallop on the daily with exercise rider Josh, whom she seems to be gelling quite well with!
Princess + Josh:
A photo posted by Princess (@apicbymrwill) on
A lovely portrait by the v. talented Emily Shields:
A photo posted by Princess (@apicbymrwill) on
Her fave:
Decisions still are being made whether she will winter locally or head down to Florida, so we’ll be spending as much time with Princess over the next little while as we’ll miss her!
Along the way we’ve had so much fun cheering on Team John Ross, who have had a phenomenal season so far with triple-winner CLASSYSHADESOFGREY, stakes-placed RAGLAN ROAD and stakes winners R U WATCHINGBUD, ULTRAFLAME and LOKINFORPURSEMONEE, the latter who has stamped himself one of the top two-year-olds in the country.
We thank everyone including jockey Sheena Ryan who has been with Princess from the start and all of our PICsies/Pritches (however spicy you are!) for all your support. We are touched by all your encouragement and won’t let you down next year!
#woodbineracetrack kissing the Princess at #jrracing stables
A photo posted by Lindsay Ross (@lindsayross2000) on
Princess + Vernon:
Princess + George:
Princess, Chloe + Katya:
Princess, Max + Ally:
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(Photo/video credit: Woodbine Entertainment Group/Mr. Will Wong)
#HORSERACING: A PIC BY MRWILL’S “PRINCESS DIARIES” – AUGUST 2016
Although this latest edition of Princess Diaries comes a bit sooner than imagined, our girl A PIC BY MRWILL is back! We were so touched by all the support Princess got from Racing Fans and Handicappers alike once again being bet-down as the post-time favourite in her second start early July.
We let you down and we are sorry. We still love you and hope you haven’t stopped loving us.
We admit like you we were a bit baffled by that last race where she was a bit more forwardly-placed, only to fade in the stretch especially after her first race and workout tab showed so much promise. Since then, she’s had a month to regroup. We’ve seen her focus on distance with her longest workout to date yet at six furlongs. She’s also been going on her two-mile jogs and we hear she is a “monster” and full of power on those.
Team John Ross, who have been having an amazing season with stable stars like R U Watchingbud, Ultraflame and top two-year-olds Raglan Road and Lokinforpursemonee (also, wait till they unveil the promising Cool Catomine!) have patiently been handling Princess and figuring her out. Rest assured, we still believe in her and love her very much. Her tall and strong physiology suggest she will appreciate added distance and this is exactly what she’ll get in her third lifetime start on Friday, August 5, 2016 at Woodbine.
Otherwise, in addition to a professional training regimen, we’ve been there to give her lots of support and love with kisses, apples and mini carrots – no candies for now though till she applies herself a bit more, but we leave this at her Handler Basil‘s discretion should he feels it’s warranted! Cathy (her Mom) and I have been firm about this.
I also ordered her a brand-new halter from wonderful Fincham’s Harness Shop in Nobleton. She looks amazing in it and has taken to it rather well! New halter, change of luck? No one ever said Horse Racing wasn’t hokey!
The amount of support Princess has received from the Media including mentions in the Daily Racing Form, the Toronto Star, Woodbine‘s Social Media channels and more recently Down the Stretch (the publication by 680 News’ Peter Gross) is a true testament in the public’s interest in her story and I am so proud of her no matter her order of finish Friday. In case you haven’t read the piece in Down the Stretch, you may click here to read more.
We appreciate all your encouragement and hope to see you there Friday at Woodbine or in-spirit!
#PrincessPower ☇
Princess’ Dad John helping her put on her blinkers
Racing fans scoping out Princess in her second race early July
Princess down the stretch
Basil giving Princess a cool bath
Princess‘ Mom Cathy helping her put on her new halter
Princess and her Teddy
Princess + I giving each other a needed pick-me-up
My little Disney Princess! Thank you Sheri (@GoFilly) + Sienna!
Of course, Princess is all about POKEMON GO too!
Gotta catch ’em all!!! Goddad finally let me use his phone!! #PokemonGo
A photo posted by Princess (@apicbymrwill) on
Some Princess Snapchats! Too cute.
Race 1, Friday, August 5, 2016, Number 1. A PIC BY MRWILL.
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Twitter: @APICBYMRWILL
Instagram: @APICMYMRWILL
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
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