Latest news with #CupDay
Vancouver Sun
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Vancouver Sun
Flying Miss is another hit for superstitious Hastings trainer
Flying Miss provided last weekend's Cup Day revellers with arguably the most exciting moment of the day, rallying with real gusto and dashing through a horse-sized gap under jockey Chris Mamdeen to snatch victory in the final stride. The excited crowd made quite a noise, although Flying Miss, a diminutive equine athlete who is proof positive of the old adage that good things come in small packages, seemed fairly unperturbed by the hullabaloo as she returned to the winner's circle. And why would she be perturbed? After all, her last-gasp victory was her fourth of the current campaign. The win also moved her superstitious trainer, Rob Maybin, onto the 18-winner mark for the season, four clear of his nearest rivals and just four behind last season's career-best total of 22. 'We're not doing anything different this year,' Maybin said this week. 'They all get turned out over the winter and then we start them going again at home before we bring them back in. We came back in a little after most others to avoid the late freeze.' With a reduced horse population at Hastings this season, due in part to the passing of several major owners over the past few years, Maybin's successful barn is undertaking much of the heavy lifting this year, providing as many runners each weekend as possible and helping to keep the show on the road. Maybin, however, characteristically rebuffs any questions regarding how many winners might yet come, for fear of jinxing his current form. 'The last time I spoke to a reporter,' he said, 'the winners dried up, and I'm superstitious. We don't set targets. We'll just keep going as long as we can and see where we end up.' Where Maybin could 'end up' this season is as Hastings' leading trainer, numerically. However, the title is decided on prize-money won and, on that table, he currently sits in third position, behind Steve Henson and the Barbara Anderson-Heads. Flying Miss, who operates at the bottom of the class ladder at Hastings, is a perfect example of the purse level problem facing owners of blue-collar horses nationwide. Her unbeaten run of four wins this season has netted her owners, in this case Maybin and his wife, Sheena, around $30,000. However, the costs of training a racehorse have, since the pandemic, ballooned to around $3,000 to $4,000 per month during the season, meaning even four-time winners of Flying Miss's class are struggling to cover their owners' costs. Fortunately for Maybin, the costs are of secondary importance. A self-made man, who has worked tirelessly since arriving in Canada from Ireland as a youngster, he doesn't train horses for a living, and owns, with Sheena, the horses he does train. 'If I had to do it for a living, I'd have quit a long time ago,' he is on record as saying. Rob and Sheena, who along with assistant trainer Demitris Topouzis are vital cogs in the barn's winner factory, were leading owners two years ago and currently sit atop of that particular table again, both numerically and in terms of prize-money won. And whatever happens between now and the end of the season, Maybin should still be a regular visitor to the winner's circle. Touch wood. Friday Night, First Race: 7 p.m.: Previously a winner in tougher company than he finds himself tonight, Prince Cairo can kick the weekend off perfectly for his Hastings Racing Club members Hastings Race 5 (9 p.m.): Recruited out of Woodbine, Dream Jereem ran well enough when second last time to suggest he can take advantage of tonight's small drop in class to get off the mark at Hastings.
The Province
5 hours ago
- Sport
- The Province
Flying Miss is another hit for superstitious Hastings trainer
Rob Maybin currently leads the training ranks at Hastings although his latest winner highlights the financial pressures facing owners Trainer Rob Maybin. Photo: Michael Bye. Flying Miss provided last weekend's Cup Day revellers with arguably the most exciting moment of the day, rallying with real gusto and dashing through a horse-sized gap under jockey Chris Mamdeen to snatch victory in the final stride. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The excited crowd made quite a noise, although Flying Miss, a diminutive equine athlete who is proof positive of the old adage that good things come in small packages, seemed fairly unperturbed by the hullabaloo as she returned to the winner's circle. And why would she be perturbed? After all, her last-gasp victory was her fourth of the current campaign. The win also moved her superstitious trainer, Rob Maybin, onto the 18-winner mark for the season, four clear of his nearest rivals and just four behind last season's career-best total of 22. 'We're not doing anything different this year,' Maybin said this week. 'They all get turned out over the winter and then we start them going again at home before we bring them back in. We came back in a little after most others to avoid the late freeze.' Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. With a reduced horse population at Hastings this season, due in part to the passing of several major owners over the past few years, Maybin's successful barn is undertaking much of the heavy lifting this year, providing as many runners each weekend as possible and helping to keep the show on the road. Maybin, however, characteristically rebuffs any questions regarding how many winners might yet come, for fear of jinxing his current form. 'The last time I spoke to a reporter,' he said, 'the winners dried up, and I'm superstitious. We don't set targets. We'll just keep going as long as we can and see where we end up.' Where Maybin could 'end up' this season is as Hastings' leading trainer, numerically. However, the title is decided on prize-money won and, on that table, he currently sits in third position, behind Steve Henson and the Barbara Anderson-Heads. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Flying Miss, ridden by Chris Mamdeen. Photo: Patti Tubbs. Flying Miss, who operates at the bottom of the class ladder at Hastings, is a perfect example of the purse level problem facing owners of blue-collar horses nationwide. Her unbeaten run of four wins this season has netted her owners, in this case Maybin and his wife, Sheena, around $30,000. However, the costs of training a racehorse have, since the pandemic, ballooned to around $3,000 to $4,000 per month during the season, meaning even four-time winners of Flying Miss's class are struggling to cover their owners' costs. Fortunately for Maybin, the costs are of secondary importance. A self-made man, who has worked tirelessly since arriving in Canada from Ireland as a youngster, he doesn't train horses for a living, and owns, with Sheena, the horses he does train. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'If I had to do it for a living, I'd have quit a long time ago,' he is on record as saying. Rob and Sheena, who along with assistant trainer Demitris Topouzis are vital cogs in the barn's winner factory, were leading owners two years ago and currently sit atop of that particular table again, both numerically and in terms of prize-money won. And whatever happens between now and the end of the season, Maybin should still be a regular visitor to the winner's circle. Touch wood. Hastings Selections Friday Night, First Race: 7 p.m.: Previously a winner in tougher company than he finds himself tonight, Prince Cairo can kick the weekend off perfectly for his Hastings Racing Club members Hastings Race 5 (9 p.m.): Recruited out of Woodbine, Dream Jereem ran well enough when second last time to suggest he can take advantage of tonight's small drop in class to get off the mark at Hastings. Read More Vancouver Whitecaps Local News Soccer Vancouver Canucks Hockey
Vancouver Sun
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Vancouver Sun
Vancouver's beautiful people get suited and booted for a day at the races on Saturday
Vancouver's cool set descends on Hastings Park on Saturday for the 15th annual Cup Day, a gathering described by organizers as, 'A day at the races, where old-world elegance meets a debaucherous day party'. More than 10,000 people are expected to attend and, if the weather holds, it promises to be an afternoon more akin to an Ibiza day club than a celebration of the 'Sport of Kings' — although there will be hats aplenty and some of the smartest-dressed folks seen this side of Royal Ascot, as Vancouver's party people vie for the $1,000 on offer for the best dressed person. There are also plenty of food and drink options, including the return of the Cocktail Jockey, a 1970s-inspired pop-up speakeasy, melding top mixologists with classic DJ sets. Music plays a central role in making sure Cup Day goes with a swing. This year sees British hitmaker Jonas Blue headline with a live DJ set. Edmonton party band, Brasstactics and Vancouver powerhouse DJ duo, Common People, are also on the bill. Dealing with a rise in decibels apart, it's business as usual for Hastings' horsemen and women, although there remains some irony that B.C.'s racing industry will, over and above its normal cut of the betting revenue, earn nothing from the event. B.C. racing's relatively small cut of that turnover is significantly larger on the portion bet on-track (approximately 16 per cent on track, versus just three per cent of 'offtrack' money bet on Hastings), so the more partygoers bet on the tarmac at Hastings, the more the racing industry benefits. However, while the cash boost is certainly welcome on an afternoon that traditionally generates one of the year's biggest betting 'handles' of the Hastings' season, it is another perfect example of how the sport, by the way it is structured in B.C., is not the master of its own destiny. Cup Day is run by a marketing company which pays track operators Great Canadian for the privilege of hosting what is essentially a private event. The people and horses putting on the show, receive nothing extra. 'It's frustrating,' admits Gary Johnson, chair of Thoroughbred Racing British Columbia. 'We put on the show, but we don't share in its success — a success racing has helped to create.' Cup Day has grown into one of the summer's social highlights in Vancouver and, in the 15 years since its inception, that growth can be seen clearly through the rise in betting on the big day. Ten years ago, horse players generated just over $500,000 in betting turnover. In 2024, the figure was nudging $974,000, with almost $250,000 of that bet by people attending the event. However, cold hard cash aside, Cup Day remains a positive experience for the backstretch community and one it looks forward to. Trainer Steve Henson agrees that, from the horsemen's side, Cup Day remains one of the year's highlights. He said: 'I love Cup Day. It's a great, fun day out. We live for the excitement this sport generates, and that excitement is certainly heightened when the grandstands are so full. It's also a day when we get to show people, who may not be regular racegoers, what the sport is all about.' First race Saturday , (2:30 p.m.) Hastings Race 1 (2:30pm PT): Tex Hanley made merry at this level just two startsago and he can get the Cup Day party swinging early. Hastings Race 4 (5:27 p.m.): Run Rudolf, who returns to action for the first time since beating today's rival Lucky Force over this distance back in June, can land The Cup.
The Province
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Province
Vancouver's beautiful people get suited and booted for a day at the races on Saturday
More Ibiza pool party than Royal Ascot, there will still be plenty of hats and summer dresses on show at Hastings Racecourse Saturday Trainer Steve Henson at Hastings Park. Photo by NICK PROCAYLO / PNG Vancouver's cool set descends on Hastings Park on Saturday for the 15th annual Cup Day, a gathering described by organizers as, 'A day at the races, where old-world elegance meets a debaucherous day party'. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors More than 10,000 people are expected to attend and, if the weather holds, it promises to be an afternoon more akin to an Ibiza day club than a celebration of the 'Sport of Kings' — although there will be hats aplenty and some of the smartest-dressed folks seen this side of Royal Ascot, as Vancouver's party people vie for the $1,000 on offer for the best dressed person. There are also plenty of food and drink options, including the return of the Cocktail Jockey, a 1970s-inspired pop-up speakeasy, melding top mixologists with classic DJ sets. Music plays a central role in making sure Cup Day goes with a swing. This year sees British hitmaker Jonas Blue headline with a live DJ set. Edmonton party band, Brasstactics and Vancouver powerhouse DJ duo, Common People, are also on the bill. Dealing with a rise in decibels apart, it's business as usual for Hastings' horsemen and women, although there remains some irony that B.C.'s racing industry will, over and above its normal cut of the betting revenue, earn nothing from the event. B.C. racing's relatively small cut of that turnover is significantly larger on the portion bet on-track (approximately 16 per cent on track, versus just three per cent of 'offtrack' money bet on Hastings), so the more partygoers bet on the tarmac at Hastings, the more the racing industry benefits. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. However, while the cash boost is certainly welcome on an afternoon that traditionally generates one of the year's biggest betting 'handles' of the Hastings' season, it is another perfect example of how the sport, by the way it is structured in B.C., is not the master of its own destiny. Cup Day is run by a marketing company which pays track operators Great Canadian for the privilege of hosting what is essentially a private event. The people and horses putting on the show, receive nothing extra. 'It's frustrating,' admits Gary Johnson, chair of Thoroughbred Racing British Columbia. 'We put on the show, but we don't share in its success — a success racing has helped to create.' Cup Day has grown into one of the summer's social highlights in Vancouver and, in the 15 years since its inception, that growth can be seen clearly through the rise in betting on the big day. Ten years ago, horse players generated just over $500,000 in betting turnover. In 2024, the figure was nudging $974,000, with almost $250,000 of that bet by people attending the event. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. However, cold hard cash aside, Cup Day remains a positive experience for the backstretch community and one it looks forward to. Trainer Steve Henson agrees that, from the horsemen's side, Cup Day remains one of the year's highlights. He said: 'I love Cup Day. It's a great, fun day out. We live for the excitement this sport generates, and that excitement is certainly heightened when the grandstands are so full. It's also a day when we get to show people, who may not be regular racegoers, what the sport is all about.' Hastings Cup Day selections First race Saturday, (2:30 p.m.) Hastings Race 1 (2:30pm PT): Tex Hanley made merry at this level just two startsago and he can get the Cup Day party swinging early. Hastings Race 4 (5:27 p.m.): Run Rudolf, who returns to action for the first time since beating today's rival Lucky Force over this distance back in June, can land The Cup. Read More News Crime News News News
Mercury
31-05-2025
- Sport
- Mercury
Zebra Finch eyes J J Atkins glory after Rosehill triumph
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. Progressive Godolphin colt Zebra Finch will be given the opportunity to emulate his big-hitting stablemate Broadsiding, earning himself a crack at the J J Atkins Stakes after lowering the boom on a couple of his more fancied rivals at Rosehill on Saturday. Yesterday's seven-horse affair held more interest than most of the other nine races on the Lord Mayor's Cup undercard given it overflowed with J J Atkins aspirants including the Chris Waller duo Hidden Achievement and pricey Frankel colt, Sarapo. The Waller pair were expected to fight out on the finish as they had when they met at Gosford on Cup Day but were unable to make the same impact this time despite racing at home. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Both horses were marked at $15 to win the J J Atkins prior to their respective efforts yesterday. Hidden Achievement blew out to $26 while Sarapo was wound out to $51. Zebra Finch, meanwhile, had his price halved from $51 into $26 for the June 14 feature and carrying the imprimatur of one of the sport's champions. 'If he pulls up well, I'd send him up there, because he is going to get a mile,'' winning jockey Kerrin McEvoy said after the Schweppes Handicap (1300m). 'You obviously need a horse that runs a mile and you need a horse on the improve and that's possibly what he is going to be. ' It wasn't a big winning margin but I am sure with a better quality horse to aim at, he is going to be better again. 'He is the sort of colt that only does enough (but) I am sure if he got challenged there was an extra kick in the lock. 'So if James (Cummings) and the team decide to go to Brisbane for that mile race, I wouldn't be against it.' At least one of the Waller-trained runners from the race looks likely to still make his way up to Brisbane for the last Group 1 two-year-old feature of the season with a decision pending on the other. Yu Long Investments colt Hidden Achievement clocked in third behind Zebra Finch with future Guineas/Derby colt Sarapo three lengths behind in sixth. 'The race lacked tempo, it was a sit and sprint,'' assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth began. 'When Adam (Hyernonimus) won on Hidden Achievement last start, he was mindful that he probably rode him too close that day and took him out of his comfort zone. But he drew so well in a small field today that we basically had to do the same again. 'Adam's adamant that when you can put the bit in his mouth a little bit better, he'll have a better turn of foot. 'Adam is strongly pushing for Chris (to go to Brisbane with him). He said 'I don't care if I ride him or not but you should be running the horse in the JJ', that's his opinion.' As for pricey $750,000 Magic Millions Yearling purchase Sarapo, Team Waller will let the dust settle on the colt's second career start before they decide on his next move. 'He was obviously a long way back off a soft tempo,'' Duckworth explained. 'He is going to be a miler at three you'd imagine, it's just whether you try and break through for that maiden win at two. 'Obviously he is by Frankel so if he ends up in the breeding barn, they're going to be worried about him if he doesn't win at two so it might be an important start for him or do we just look after him and just trust that he'll measure up at three.'' As for Zebra Finch, his own stud career will naturally hinge on the outcome of the J J Atkins but Darley would dearly love to add another Group 1 winning son of Exceed And Excel to their roster. Not only is Zebra Finch by one of the truly global stallions of the modern era, his dam was a handy performer herself and by Lonhro who holds the rare honour of being crowned both Australian Horse of the Year and Champion General Sire. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Tough as teak gelding Mickey's Medal helped edge the former rodeo rider Braith Nock one step closer to a medal collection of his own as the race for Sydney's Champion Apprentice enters the home straight. Nock and former Riverina whiz Molly Bourke are locked in an arm wrestle to decide who will join an Honour Roll that includes the likes of Jack Thompson, George Moore, Ron Quinton, Malcolm Johnston, Wayne Harris and Darren Beadman. Nock's win on the Annabell and Rob Archibald-trained Mickey's Medal extended his lead over Bourke by five metropolitan wins with August 1 now exactly two months away. Sitting three-wide with no cover may not have been the text-book ride from Nock on Mickey's Medal but it proved to be the winning formula on a day where it paid to be away from the inside fence. 'Everyone just seemed to take their time to get their spots and all of a sudden there were people inside me,' Nock explained. '(But) it was a slow tempo and he was able to travel really good. 'Actually, he was really relaxed coming to the 600m and I had to wake him up and then I was able to idle-up and I still think he might have had a little bit of a think about it things once we got there, but he got left alone for a long time so it was a really good effort. 'He seems to be just relishing his racing and he tries his best every time.' Yesterday's Precise Air Handicap (1500m) was the gelding's sixth run of the current campaign. His $82,500 collect was a tangible reward to effort on his part, drawing some high praise from the stable. 'It was brilliant to see him win,' stable representative Megan O'Leary said. 'I was almost waiting for (runner-up) Hopper to come down the outside of us but he really deserved that win, he's been running so well this prep.' Mickey's Medal was sold twice before he ever saw a racetrack. The great-grandson of broodmare gem Shantha's Choice was secured for $70,000 as a weanling before being reoffered at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale where he fetched $225,000. Originally published as Godolphin's promising colt Zebra Finch pushes for Group 1 J J Atkins start after his impressive victory at Rosehill
