woodbine
#HORSERACING: A PIC BY MRWILL’S PRINCESS DIARIES: JULY 2016
Whaddya know? It’s Princess time! Our girl A PIC BY MRWILL is ready for her second race after a promising debut early June at Woodbine where she finished strong at the ultra-short four-and-half furlong distance. A bit more distance she asked for and a bit more she will get!
Team John Ross and I were so touched that the betting public and experts gave her a firm vote of confidence, making her the well-bet favourite that day. Thank you.
We admit there was some growing to do, and the Team learned a few surprising things about her from that debut. It is always a bit disappointing when things don’t go as envisioned. I was told by moments before the race that she wasn’t going to win because others had stronger workouts than her and also it was suggested that my going on about Princess was going to ruin her chances of winning. That aside, it is the outpour of support from the community following the race however that shone through. “Next time!”. “She is beautiful!”. “She ran great!”. “The first race always is a toss-out for two-year-olds!”. These are comforting words I needed to hear and all in some way true. People are protective of our feelings and that did not go unappreciated.
My eldest brother John and Parents even came out – without telling me – to support Princess, which I realized only after finding a $100 Win-Place ticket on my kitchen table when I got home. 😢
This past month Princess really has applied herself in her training on and off track. Focus has gone into getting her acclimated with the paddock with her groom, the awesome Basil, so that she’s comfortable with her surroundings in the lead-up to the race. With her rider Sheena Ryan, she also has been working out of the starting gate to get ready for the next big day!
Be around for some exciting news later today, PICsies!
A photo posted by Princess (@apicbymrwill) on
The Clockers (individuals who time workouts) were talking at the annual pre-Queen’s Plate Trackside Breakfast, singling her out for a great show of gate speed in her recent workout on June 25th. We love that our dear Dawn Lupul chimed-in that A Pic By MrWill actually is better known as Princess! 😄
It’s our job normally to publicize, so it is a challenge that often in this sport there’s a bit of hush-hush and fear of jinxes. Sorry, but we can’t help but get a little excited over this! We’re expecting a great turn of foot and are confident in her.
In addition to growing (she already is tall to begin with!) quickly with each visit, we see a bit more fire in Princess. We admit she’s very sweet and almost pet-like, but at times but I worry this translates onto the track too. We’re loving that aggressiveness we’re seeing in her of late. I mean, look at her reaction to a delicious Royal Gala apple for one.
A video posted by Princess (@apicbymrwill) on
Remember how I said rainbow carrots were my fave? Wrong. APPLES.
A video posted by Princess (@apicbymrwill) on
This past weekend’s Queen’s Plate was a huge deal for us. Check-out Princess in this gorgeous fascinator loaned by her mommy Cathy for the occasion, as she greet a group of Social Media influencers with great professionalism a couple weeks back.
A photo posted by Princess (@apicbymrwill) on
So much fun partying with these guys Saturday and Gator! Miss u baes!! Come back soon!
A photo posted by Princess (@apicbymrwill) on
Found myself the perfect #QueensPlate date, Gator!!! #QP16
A photo posted by Princess (@apicbymrwill) on
And if you haven’t read it yet, here’s an amazing profile about us penned by one of the City’s greats, Shinan Govani, including a bit about Princess and I. We love that Princess’ story is extending beyond the racing community.
An incredible honour being profiled by @ShinanGovani in today’s digital @TorontoStar. Print version out Saturday! https://t.co/GLsS97HFoI
— MR. WILL WONG (@mrwillw) July 4, 2016
The print version appears in the Saturday, July 9th edition of the Toronto Star. If you’d like it personalized, please pick-up a copy, see me and I will do so!
Princess (A PIC BY MRWILL) makes her second start at Woodbine Racetrack Saturday, July 9, 2016, race 5 at 3:05 PM EST.
Be there. Let’s take a PIC!
If you aren’t already following our own little “Toronto star”, you can do so here:
Princess on Twitter (@apicbymrwill)
Princess on Instagram (@apicbymrwill)
See you Saturday.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#HORSERACING: SIR DUDLEY DIGGES WINS 2016 QUEEN’S PLATE IN AN UPSET!
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
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
With Racing Ambassador Dan Tordjman and his father Max
Conquest Enforcer wins the Charlie Barley
A video posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
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)
#HORSERACING: THE 157TH QUEEN’S PLATE TAKES PLACE SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2016!
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)
#HORSERACING: A PIC BY MRWILL’S PRINCESS DIARIES – JUNE 2016
Where has the time gone? It was a chilly day in February when we first met Princess and now we’re literally living in the Tropics! Would you believe that Princess (A PIC BY MRWILL) already is nearing her debut? More on that in a bit.
I have been making my weekly (sometimes more…) visits to see her and it is amazing seeing Princess come into her own not just as an athlete, but also an amazing young lady. Her demeanour has made her popular at the John Ross barn and I make a conscious effort to spoil her with her favourite organic rainbow carrots, peppermints and tons of playtime. She has to know by now she’s special, right? Although all credit is due to John and his amazing Team, I am humbled to be a part of this even if in a tiny capacity.
A few weeks back, Princess did her first ever interview with Media Sovereign Award winner Alex Campbell (@AXCampbell1) for the Daily Racing Form and she handled herself like such a pro! Holding myself back from being jealous, I may have caught her cuddling-up to Alex after the interview. Princess sure knows the power of good press and media manipulation. What a Celeb!
The piece has gone live and is here!
John hasn’t been his best of late, but is doing the right thing getting well and we all send him lots of love and positivity for a speedy recovery. The barn is extremely thrilled riding a high after a huge win on the weekend! Princess’ workmate and sis RAGLAN ROAD (Victor’s Cry x Glaslyn, by Forestry) crushed it in her debut Saturday at Woodbine against open company! Although Raglan is the bigger of the two, Princess has matched strides with her in the morning and people on the backstretch have been paying attention. Good things often come in pairs or threes, right? Britney and Christina. Lady Gaga and Katy Perry. Wando and Mobil. With Approval and Izvestia. Dance Smartly and Wilderness Song. I’m just saying…
We also want to congratulate one of our favourites, Horse of the Year and recent Grade II Nassau Stakes victress LEXIE LOU who began her path to stardom in the John Ross barn. We are in awe how she managed to escape at 12-1 odds (!), topped only by her victory at an even bigger 17-1 odds in the 2013 Muskoka Stakes. We’re excited to see her step it up in a couple weeks as she’s likely to run in the Grade I Just a Game Stakes Belmont Stakes weekend. This is a true testament to the quality of Ontario’s breeding program with progeny of our stallions competing at a world-class level.
Fun fact: Did you know Princess was handed-down the same stall that housed both Lexie Lou and Brooklysway?
Alex, Princess + John
Raglan Road + Team Ross waving to John, watching from home
Lexie Lou
Working out the gate with her pal Sheena Ryan, Princess has been posting some real solid workouts in company.
Some of her recent works. A furlong is about 201 metres…
Some more Princessnaps:
Princess with my Parents (left) and my Aunts visiting from overseas. Their first time around a horse!
Princess training with Sheena and her sis Raglan Road, under Gary Boulanger
Special thanks to our friend, the lovely Ericka Rusnack (@ErickaRusnak) who captured this stunning shot of Princess and Sheena training with her other sis Saturday Dancer (under Steven Bahen) a few days ago!
Karl Lagerborg (@StallOfficeKarl) aka Racing’s “Uncle Karl” of the Woodbine Stall Office, brought the entire Scheduling Department to meet Princess, which she appreciated so much!
Scheduling Dept. @WoodbineRacing checking out @mrwillw horse! #greatday @WEGcares thanks Ian Ross and Martha Scott! pic.twitter.com/ZcZCKZMLLC
— Karl Lagerborg (@StallOfficeKarl) May 25, 2016
Princess being Princess
Also, Princess’ signature bangs are developing a Fan Club of their own, making her a bit of a fashion icon!! See some of her PICsies’ sweet Tweets! Thanks Bailey, Lynn and Maureen for your ‘bang-on’ support!
VIDEO: And now for a MAJOR announcement!
Princess Diaries: June 2016
Hay You! Be a PICsie too!
Follow Princess on Twitter and Instagram!
See you Saturday. Race 3. Number 6. Let’s take a PIC!
(Photo [captured on the Nikon D3300] /video [captured on the Samsung S7] credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#HORSERACING: WOODBINE UNVEILS “EUROTURF” RACES
After a surprising announcement last November by Woodbine CEO Jim Lawson, we at long last get to see the fruits of both daring and precise planning. Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto today ran a first-of-its-kind EuroTurf Trial today before a sizable crowd of curious Horsepeople, Fans and Media mid-morning.
To those who don’t follow Horse Racing, thoroughbred races in North America traditionally are run counter-clockwise, unlike European, Australian and Asian racing. To change it up a bit and invigorate a bit of intrigue in the Sport of Kings, Woodbine this Summer will host a series of approximately 40 races on its lush E.P. Taylor turf course in the opposite direction. The first clockwise turf race as part of the EuroTurf series, is to take place Friday, June 10th.
After cautious maintenance over the winter, the turf course, among the top of its class in North America, is ready for racing with the season’s first official turf race (non-clockwise) carded for this Wednesday, May 18, 2016.
See today’s Trial race, won by Emma-Jayne Wilson aboard Hall of Famer Roger Attfield trainee INTERNAL BOURBON:
Post-race, Wilson compared her experience riding in Hong Kong to EuroTurf. See some Clips below:
See some Snaps from earlier today at the EuroTurf Preview:
Emma-Jayne Wilson
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Woodbine Entertainment)
#HORSERACING: GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE 2016 QUEEN’S PLATE! HEDLEY, THE STRUMBELLAS + MATTHEW GOOD ANNOUNCED AS HEADLINERS!
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)
#HORSERACING: A PIC BY MRWILL’S PRINCESS DIARIES: APRIL 2016
A lot happens in a month and since our last installment of PRINCESS DIARIES, our girl A PIC BY MRWILL (aka “Princess“) has continued to amaze us! She keeps-up with her weekly workout regimen under jockey Sheena Ryan at Woodbine like a true professional. Her Owner/Trainer John Ross and Cathy Wong, along with the team, are doing an amazing job getting her in top shape for her forthcoming first race.
Princess just keeps growing and growing and growing. I quite literally have to reach-up for those kisses now and never have I felt shorter!
Can we brag for a moment that she along with her two stablemates Saturday Dancer and Raglan Road – also just babies – shared the fastest workout of the day last Wednesday for three furlongs? We were floored! In fact, we want to frame this! I’d equate the feeling to a parent seeing straight As on their child’s Report Card. Yeah, I know it’s easy to get carried away as we know workouts many a time can be a false-positive to how a horse performs on race day, but we just can’t mask our excitement!
Although I had my doubts that Princess was sold on me, we finally had that one bonding moment. She is quite the carrot connoisseur – baby carrots to be exact. Peppermints? Meh. Please don’t tell anyone she ate a whole small bag of mini carrots by herself last week!!! We like to play our own little game where I tickle her lips, which really gets her going! After a bit of playtime, it was time to go and I got my confirmation that our love was mutual when she tried picking the lock on her stall when I told her ‘goodbye’. I turned into a pile of mush, all verklempt leaving the barn, pretending to yawn so that those tears wouldn’t be so obvious to passersby.
Princess‘ lip is a bit sore right now, so we didn’t play our game this weekend as she just got her official lip tattoo and according to Cathy, this now makes her a legit racehorse!
Those of us who follow Woodbine on Social Media know and love our feline friend Gator Kitten (@gatorkitten), whose sassy Tweets are voiced by his mom (and our dear friend) Sarah Ritchie. She is the assistant to three-time champion trainer Mark Frostad. After a winter in Florida, we were thrilled to see Gator and his mom on the backstretch again and we even threw a little party to celebrate Gator‘s homecoming and Princess‘ bullet workout! We coined it #GATORPRINCESSDAY and it was amazing to see Princess so smitten with the kitten.
The wonderful day was capped-off with her stablemate R U Watchingbud‘s huge score in the $125k New Providence Stakes at large odds under #emmazing Emma-Jayne Wilson! One day prior, Brooklynsway, who used to occupy Princess‘ stall, ran huge to win the Grade III Doubledogdare Stakes at Keeneland against some top U.S. fillies! Never underestimate a John Ross trainee.
There is a new Team Ross member here for the summer, a student named Emily (below, in purple), who is taking great care of Princess. She got a nice trim on the bangs from Emily, plus some braids, giving her that Cleopatra look. Love it!
See our Princess Video Diary for April 2016:
Princess Moments.
#GATORPRINCESSDAY
Princess + I support ONE LAST RACE, for the dignified retirement of racehorses. Donate here. Many celebrity racehorses like Lady Eli (whom we’re meeting next week!) and California Chrome also have joined the cause! Why don’t you?
Princess + Anna who was visiting from Lexington, Kentucky. She handles champion and soon-to-be millionairess Leigh Court for trainer Michael Stidham! We can only dream one day Princess will be anywhere near Leigh‘s level!
Princess (turquoise, under Sheena Ryan) and stablemate Saturday Dancer at work.
If you aren’t following Princess on Social Media yet, you may do so here:
A PIC BY MRWILL on Twitter
A PIC BY MRWILL on Instagram
See you back in May, PICsies!
Will you be there to cheer Princess on at Woodbine when she debuts later this year?
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#HORSERACING: “CATCH A GLIMPSE” WINS TOP HONOURS AT 2015 SOVEREIGN AWARDS
The 41st annual Sovereign Awards took place in Toronto tonight at Woodbine Racetrack, honouring champions in Canadian Horse Racing for the year 2015. This year’s theme was Hollywood, the Red Carpet complete with its own Hollywood sign, movie theme songs introducing winners and giant Oscar statues to greet guests.
Taking Horse of the Year honours this year was three-time honouree this evening Catch a Glimpse, who took the important Grade II Natalma Stakes last fall before going on winning the Grade I $1-million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Keeneland. The Mark Casse trainee owned by Michael James Ambler, Gary Barber and Windways Farm, also nabbed Outstanding Turf Female and Two Year Old Filly. It is a rarity that a horse as young as she wins Horse of the Year honours, making her accomplishment that much more impressive. Mark Casse himself would go on to win Outstanding Trainer a jaw-dropping eighth time, his daughter Camille accepting for him.
Eurico Da Silva won his third Outstanding Jockey title, noticeably emotional when watching a tribute for his late fan Alexandrea Tersigni, to whom he dedicated his 2015 season.
Frank Stronach and his Adena Springs also were notable winners taking Outstanding Breeder – they are based in Aurora, Ontario. Stronach Stables’ Queen’s Plate champion Shaman Ghost was honoured Outstanding Three Year Old Male.
Bear Stables’ Academic proved her popularity through Ontario and Western Canada, besting the boys in the Canadian Derby in addition to the prestigious Woodbine Oaks last year en route to a victory in the Outstanding Three Year Old Filly voting.
The ill-fated Miss Mischief shipped in from the U.S. last season to a couple significant stake wins including the Grade II Bessarabian Stakes. She won both Outstanding Older Female and Female Sprinter. The speedy filly had passed away over the winter after sustaining an injury.
Sam-Son Farm would go on to win Outstanding Owner, with Rick Balaz accepting. He acknowledged his children Mike and Lisa Balaz as being the future of the legacied stable, thanking the large team who help with operations.
Other major winners tonight included Interpol for Outstanding Turf Male, Are You Kidding Me for Outstanding Older Horse and Riker for Outstanding Two Year Old Male.
For a complete list of winners, click here.
See our Snap Reel from the festivities tonight!
Some Snaps from the night:
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#HORSERACING: “A PIC BY MRWILL” PROGRESS REPORT MARCH 2016
After last month’s post about meeting the filly named after myself, A PIC BY MRWILL (Princess), her owners John Ross, Cathy Wong and I are touched by the outpour of support we’ve received over Social Media! Today we’re pleased to bring you a PPR (Princess Progress Report)!
Over the span of the past month, Princess has continued to grow rather quickly. In fact, upon arriving at her stall today I barely even recognized her with her winter coat growing out, in addition to her growth spurt. I literally asked Cathy, “Who is this??”. After moving-in a little closer, I realized yes, I was indeed in the presence of the same sweet filly as last time. She continues to be incredibly-affectionate and welcoming to people.
I brought by my friend Lauren, whom I know from the Film world, and like myself, she absolutely adores horses having grown-up around them. At one point she was serious about a career in showjumping and dressage. Princess was quick to welcome Lauren with kisses. It was genuinely affecting!
She also has developed quite the appetite for miniature carrots after trying them for the first time last month, making a bit of a mess of it. Peppermints though, she’s definitely still learning about. You can see the long, pensive gaze on her face as she mentally processes that tingly, sweet sensation on her tongue and its crunch. We even brought doughnuts today too and jockey Katy Morrison, who has been a part of Princess‘ journey over the past year, for fun fed her a piece of a Tim Hortons doughnut. Although it looked like she was about to enjoy it like a patriotic Canadian girl, she’d chew it and spit it back out. Hilarious.
Princess continues to adore her Teddy and we brought it over for her to play with today. She’d fling it about, it dangling for dear life on its arm, plopping onto her bedding, followed by a plea for help in her eyes. She’d go on to do this over and over a few times in a cyclical motion. It’s so fascinating seeing her learn about her world with inquisitive child-like curiosity. And also she has this cute little lip quiver when she’s inspecting people. Adorable.
Although we just missed it, Princess posted her second workout today, her first time trying out Woodbine‘s new Tapeta surface. Sovereign Award-winning jockey Sheena Ryan piloted the workout today and we learned through her new agent Ryan Deyotte (below, Princess + Sheena on far left) that Sheena was thrilled with Princess’ breeze, clocking-in at 25 seconds flat for two furlongs (402 metres). With little urging, she showed a great willingness to go and we couldn’t be more pleased. Even as a baby, her timing bested some horses with far more experience. Her first timed workout a week ago clocked-in at 24.8 seconds on the Dirt Training Track.
Although premature, the barn already is comparing Princess to prior greats like Horse of the Year Lexie Lou! I am hearing that her look and temperament are very similar to Lexie, although Princess has a calmer demeanour. How exciting is it to hear that?
She’s due for a clipping of her winter coat tomorrow, so we’re waiting anxiously to see her new spring look!
And in the meantime, we hope her Dad (John Ross) gets well soon!
See some Snaps of Princess from earlier today:
Also, see Princess‘ buddies Yoda Man (Ricky Browne riding) + Smart Catomine (Katy Morrison riding) train together on the new Tapeta surface:
See a Video of Princess earlier today:
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Ryan Deyotte)
#HORSERACING: MEETING WOODBINE’S “A PIC BY MRWILL”
As long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted a horse. As many of you know, my childhood was anything but ordinary. While most kids hung-out at the mall, played video games or road hockey on weekends, I spent my youth at the races with my parents. I’d doodle fantasy stables of horses on scrap paper, complete with imagined offspring of hypothetical matings of my favourites. I came home smelling of the ink on racing programs and forms, cigarette smoke and horses.
You can imagine the shock my Keyboarding teacher experienced when he perused my 5″ floppy disk looking to mark an assignment he gave us, instead finding a Microsoft Word document compiling stakes winners at Woodbine. I failed Keyboarding eventually, quite possibly the easiest course in High School. What I did succeed in was finding a life-long passion that would follow me into adulthood – even after a period where I followed Horse Racing from a distance during my University years.
I had Mr. Van Ryn for Grade 12 Marketing once again and as much as he had a negative impression of me, I proved him wrong, stepping up my scholastic game with a 95% grade. He still didn’t grant me the Marketing Award upon graduation despite having the top mark in the class. Haters gonna hate. Enjoy your trophy, Renee Yeung.
These past few years have been a bit of a whirlwind ride. Never in a million years as a kid who cheered from the grandstand at Woodbine Racetrack, would I have guessed that I’d ever have a place in the Horse Racing community locally. The issue of the industry being tasked with making itself sustainable very much is in public thought throughout the province.
In many ways, the sport is like a childhood friend to me. A friend who needs a bit of help and support right now. How I know that this friendship is a lasting one is that I am happy to do what I can for it without any sense of hesitation or seeking of credit. I am grateful for the racing community and their warm embrace. There isn’t a day that I visit Woodbine and don’t get a friendly smile or a “Hi, Mr. Will!“.
On October 9th last year, I woke up to a text message from Keith McCalmont, a dear friend who has done so much of the sport from the Media offices of Woodbine and also under his online identity, Triple Dead Heat. This text though was odd and maybe even foreshadowing.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on
Sure enough I played the 649, needless to say without much success. But this is where the story takes a bit of a turn. A few weeks later I received a message from Cathy Wong (no relation) partner of veteran Owner/Trainer John Ross. I have been following Ross’ career for several years and anyone who follows the sport knows that he has an eye for talent. Top caliber athletes like Brooklynsway, King Corrie, Go Greeley and eventual Horse of the Year Lexie Lou all at one point in their successful careers were under his tutelage.
“I hope you don’t mind”, the message said, attached with it a name registration certificate for a filly they had bought at the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society Sale in September. I glanced over at the name, which read A PIC BY MRWILL. Did I mind? DID I MIND?!??!
Quite literally I sat in front of my phone, jaw dropped and unsure who to express my excitement to. I told my unphased Mom and all she cared about was what it would cost. Asian parents. My friends enjoy Woodbine when I bring them, but how many of them got how big a deal this was?
What makes this all the more cosmic is that Keith‘s dream-text came to me on October 9th – the exact same day A PIC BY MRWILL was registered. How is this even possible?
As often is the case, I jinx myself by being overly-passionate about things. I was dying to meet this filly and in my head I conjured-up how our first meeting would go. Would she love me back? Would she bite me (she would! see video below!)? What if she wanted nothing to do with me? I decided to let things flow naturally, remaining non-intrusive. Cathy would keep me posted with tidbits over Facebook, which I would cherish and savour quietly. We nicknamed her Princess, which I was painfully eager to use on her. “Come, Princess!! Another miniature carrot Princess?!”.
The backstretch has opened once again for training at Woodbine, where A PIC BY MRWILL will be based. Although trucks could be seen pulling-in and unloading horses, it generally still is rather sparse and quiet back there.
I made it a mission to see my girl at long last in a hectic week leading-up to my Hollywood visit Thursday. Ford Canada as always was generous and supportive, giving me a chance to test drive the Ford Escape. There literally is no other way I would have been able to make the early Sunday commute without the Escape.
I pulled-out all the stops. I had Scotch Mints, Carrots (thanks Julie!) and a Teddy Bear – all fail-proof ways to make a horse warm-up to you. I had gotten there just as A PIC BY MRWILL was set to do her first ever gallop on Woodbine‘s Training Track after vanning-in only yesterday morning.
Like a hot mess, I walked through the John Ross barn pacing from stall to stall. “Is this her?… Is this her? … Is this her?”, I’d ask as I passed each one. After about five failed guesses, I finally landed on the correct one. Princess was busy getting tacked-up, her hind end in plain view. The wait to see her was becoming a bit agonizing. Moments later I saw Ricky, one of John‘s long-time assistants, come out with her. Princess stopped quickly and I gave her a welcome hug, which thankfully was returned with a nudge back. Such relief.
Sporting a bit of a thick winter coat, there was no denying her beauty. Her father is promising Ontario sire Kentucky Bear, once a Kentucky Derby contender. Her mom Princess G is a half-sister to Canadian champ Bear Now. She also is related to Lexie Lou through her maternal side via popular stallion In Excess. Although not a flashy seven-figure-worth breeding, there is plenty of depth. Despite being only two (a baby still by racing standards), her conformation was outstanding. Her legs give every indication she will grow to be rather tall and I could tell from her hind end she is strong. One thing I noticed on Princess was a couple minor scars, but I didn’t think much of it.
“I have something to tell you, but don’t know if I should”, Cathy told me. My curiosity was piqued, but the timing didn’t seem right at that moment to probe. Was she being sold? What could it have been?
Moments later John walked alongside me, revealing a bit of heartbreaking news about Princess. I learned that after a prolonged fight with a serious sinus infection this winter, requiring multiple emergency visits to the equine hospital, we could well have lost her. My heart broke as I learned about her being connected to an IV, drainage pipes pierced right through her. How is it possible a horse this young already has had to endure this much suffering?
What makes this story even more remarkable is that back in 2006 I also underwent a major health struggle, battling Thyroid Cancer. This too saw me sporting a drainage pipe through my neck and although with Princess, we’ve put the worst parts behind us, together we are bonded not only in name, but also the same battle scars.
John tells me, “I see something in her and as corny as it sounds, seeing how she connected with you for the first time today confirms that”. He never stopped believing in Princess when the situation could have gone awry and this together with her sheer determination to survive and the medical expertise of Milton Equine Hospital, already has Princess winning a major victory even before having won a race.
Knowing this, seeing A PIC BY MRWILL surge to the lead under exercise rider Katy Morrison (who calls her “A filly named Willy“) in her gallop this morning – never letting her workmate pass her – only punctuated the flurry of emotions going through me.
Without further a do, I introduce you to A PIC BY MRWILL.
Katy Morrison + A Pic By MrWill
John Ross, A Pic By MrWill + Cathy Wong
A Pic By MrWill + Ricky
A Pic By MrWill (feeding time!)
A Pic by MrWill + Mr. Will
A wink from Princess!
See A PIC BY MRWILL in video:
Did you know Princess also has a Twitter account? Follow her here.
The 2016 Racing Season begins at Woodbine Racetrack Saturday, April 9, 2016.
Will you be making it out to cheer for Princess when she debuts later this year?
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong | Video credit: Julie Wright/Mr. Will Wong)
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