Latest news with #Caitlinhergrtness
National Post
25-04-2025
- Business
- National Post
Woodbine's 70th thoroughbred racing season ready to get off and running
Article content With all the logistics having been worked out, it's now time for the horses to begin the show at Woodbine. Article content Article content The track's 70th thoroughbred racing season begins with a nine-race card on Saturday after the track and horsemen agreed in late March to a new two-year agreement which will see an additional $5.7 million in purse money distributed over 128 days, just one day less than what was run previously. This agreement ended a months-long stalemate but the industry still faces challenges. Article content Adding to issues the sport has faced over the past several years — such as dwindling horse population and the competition from sports betting — is the effect the Canada-U.S. tariff war could have on the horse racing industry. Article content But those issues haven't stopped the show entirely and local fans are in for some entertainment between now and mid-December. Article content There are two significant changes to the stakes calendar. The E.P. Taylor Stakes will be run on the King's Plate undercard and is now a Breeders' Cup Challenge qualifier for the Filly and Mare Turf. Also, the Canadian International is back after a one-year absence. Article content Leading the jockey colony is Sahin Civaci. The Vancouver native won 170 races in 2024 for his first Woodbine riding title and first Sovereign Award. He was followed by Rafael Hernandez with 140. Article content They will be joined by Patrick Husbands, Fraser Aebly and Sofia Vives, who was named Canada's outstanding apprentice jockey on Thursday. Article content Fans also are looking forward to the returns of two riders from serious injuries. Article content Pietro Moran, the 19-year-old son of fellow rider David Moran was enjoying a very good campaign before a spill in the final race on Prince of Wales day at Fort Erie ended it. Article content Article content Emma-Jayne Wilson, who became the career leading money-earner amongst North American female jockeys last year, is recovering from an injury suffered on Oct. 25 when her mount suffered cardiac arrest, sending her crashing into the rail resulting in severe neck and pelvic injuries. Article content Article content Mark Casse again will have a strong local contingent, looking for his 17th Woodbine training title. He will be prominent on Kentucky Derby weekend as well. He looks to win the Kentucky Oaks with La Cara on May 2 and a day later, will enter Sandman in the Run for the Roses itself. Both runners are among the top contenders in their races. Article content Kevin Attard, who won the King's Plate with Caitlinhergrtness and later in the year had the biggest win of his career when Moira won the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf, will hold a strong hand, as will veterans Martin Drexler, Josie Carroll and Bob Tiller. Article content 'You always want to set the bar higher and chase those big wins,' Attard, who was honoured Thursday with his first Sovereign Award as Canada's outstanding trainer, told Woodbine Entertainment. 'Whether it's young horses just starting out or others that are a year older and a year wiser, there's always a feeling of excitement whenever you walk into a barn.'
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'She Put Me On The Map': Groom Troy Garnett Thanks King's Plate Winner Caitlinhergrtness
Once a week, from January to April, Woodbine will profile a horse who had a life-changing impact on one of their closest connections in week, groom Troy Garnett and 2024 King's Plate winner Caitlinhergrtness, who is also a finalist for the 2024 Champion Three-Year-Old Female Sovereign born and raised in Barbados, came to the barn of trainer Kevin Attard in March 2009.'One day, I found myself walking through Kevin's barn. A person, who is also from Barbados, was working there and told me that Kevin was looking for a hotwalker. It just seemed like it was a good fit. And it was. I have been working for Kevin since that day.'Attard is grateful to have Garnett along for the ride.'Troy truly loves the horses. He is one of the most hard-working and dedicated horse people in our industry. He comes into the barn with a smile on his face every day. We are lucky to have him on our team.' Foaled: April 22, 2021Sire: Omaha BeachDam: BelatrixPurchased: Current owners bought her for $375,000 from the Off the Hook consignment at the 2023 Ocala Breeders' Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in TrainingStarts: 9Wins-Seconds-Thirds: 3-1-2Earnings: $693,812 (U.S.)Notable races: Won the King's Plate in 2024. Second in last year's Woodbine Oaks. Third in last year's Grade 1 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes at Keeneland. Broke her maiden at Belmont on September 28, 2023. Trainer: Kevin AttardOwner: Siena Farm LLC and WinStar Farm LLCGroom: Troy GarnettBreeder: Jesse Korona What do you remember from the first time you met Caitlinhergrtness?'I am the person who took her off the trailer when she first came to the barn. It was early morning, and I walked her into the stall, took off her bandages, got her settled and made sure she was okay. It was the size that I noticed. She looked great for a young filly. Then I looked at her breeding and I thought, 'This is a nice horse.'''I loved her from day one, even before I did research on her. She looked amazing. And she was nice to work with right from the start. She allowed me to work with her and I think that was a big plus. Never one day did she rebel.'After four races in the U.S., she had her first start (a win) at Woodbine on July 6, 2024. What did you think of her performance?'She was working so well, and she worked like a very good horse. She was doing it rather easily, too. That is what stood out for me. I felt like she was going to be very tough in that first race at Woodbine.' What do you remember most about the King's Plate?'For a horse who had a big shot of winning the Plate, I was very relaxed. She made it easy on me to feel that way. Knowing her capabilities, she made my morning easy. She was like a champion going over. She meant business, she was relaxed, she wasn't getting too hot – when the saddle went on, she knew it was game time. Things can go wrong in the race, but the day seemed perfect.''Even before she came around the turn, I felt everything was setting up perfectly for her. I know she loves to chase a target, so when she got up to a length or so of the lead, I felt she had it. I could see by the way she was getting to the horse coming around the turn and that she was digging in. She was training that way in the mornings, so that she would run that type of race.''I was so happy. I had a couple of shots at the Plate before – one horse finished sixth and another horse got scratched a day or two before the race – so it kind of felt Caitlinhergrtness was the one who was going to give me that win. I started shaking in mid-stretch because I knew she had it. What a fantastic feeling. All the hard work that goes into winning that race – I felt like Lady Luck was on my side.''When she came back to the winner's circle, I told her, 'Thank you.' I kissed her and patted her. I told her that I loved her and that she put me on the map.' What are the three best words to Caitlinhergrtness?'Classy. Welcoming. Determined.'How has she changed your life?'She has changed my life in a big way. Being in the game a long time, she propelled me to new heights. Whenever people see the board with the list of Plate winners, her name will be on there forever. She has given me so much and I truly love her.'
