Latest news with #E.P.TaylorStakes
Winnipeg Free Press
a day ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse pursues fourth Plate win but third with filly
TORONTO – No Time and trainer Mark Casse have history on their side Saturday. No Time is the lone filly in the 13-horse field for the $1-million King's Plate, which will be run at Woodbine Racetrack. The early 7-2 favourite is looking to become the third filly in four years to claim the first jewel of the OLG Canadian Triple Crown. Casse is also looking for a fourth Plate title, and third with a filly. The Hall of Fame trainer won in 2014 with Lexie Lou and four years later with Wonder Gadot. Kevin Attard, Canada's top trainer last year, has also won the Plate twice with fillies. He earned his first crown with Moira in 2022 before winning last year's race with Caitlinhergrtness, named after WNBA star Caitlin Clark. Caitlinhergrtness will also be in action Saturday, running in the $750,000 E.P. Taylor Stakes turf race. A win would be Attard's third in the event but make the horse the first ever to record the Plate-E. P. Taylor double. Both Attard and Casse will have multiple horses in the Plate. Casse will also send Ashley's Archer (12-1 early pick) postward while Attard will have three race starters _ Dewolf (30-1), Faber (30-1) and Mansetti (10-1). For the first time in Plate history, a father and son will ride against one another. Pietro Moran, 20, will be aboard Mansetti while his father, David, will be on William T (20-1). This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 15, 2025.
UPI
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- UPI
Hot weekend horse racing action set for Canada, France, the U.S.
1 of 2 | Caitlinhergrtness, last year's King's Plate winner, tackles Saturday's Grade I E. P. Taylor Stakes at Woodbine, a Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In." Photo by Michael Burns, courtesy of Woodbine Aug. 15 (UPI) -- A Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" in Canada, with the King's Plate on the same card, a filly formerly based in Norway running in a Grade I at Saratoga and a hot mile in France are the icing on the tasty cake that is weekend horse racing. Here it is, fresh out of the oven. Filly & Mare Turf She Feels Pretty feels like a real solid contender in a field of seven set for Saturday's $750,000 (Canadian) Grade I E.P. Taylor Stakes at Woodbine, a "Win and You're In" for the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf. The Karakonte filly, trained by Cherie DeVaux, finished second in the Grade I Diana in her last start, but before that ran off four straight wins, three of them in Grade I affairs. Overall, she has won seven of 11 starts, good enough for 3-5 odds on the morning line. Diamond Rain invades from England for Godolphin, and the Charles Fipke homebred Ready for Shirl could be dangerous. The 2024 King's Plate winner, Caitlinhergrtness, attempts to become the first horse to win both that iconic race and the E.P. Taylor. Thought Process, Lush Lips and Will Then top an overflow field for Saturday's $300,000 Grade I Del Mar Oaks. A field of 11 is set for Friday's $100,000, 1 3/8-mile CCT and TOC Stakes at Del Mar. It's a competitive bunch, with Mrs. Astor as the 5-2 favorite on the morning line. Turf Emmanuel is a narrow morning-line favorite in a very competitive field of six entered for Friday's $150,000 Pennsylvania Governor's Cup at Penn National. Turf Mile Cruden Bay and Dresden Row are the morning-line picks in a field of locals for Saturday's $200,000 (Canadian) Grade II King Edward Stakes at Woodbine. War Strategy is going well but steps up and stretches out. Turf Sprint Future Is Now is the 6-5 morning-line favorite in a field of nine for Friday's $150,000 Smart & Fancy Stakes for fillies and mares at Saratoga. Classic Woodbine Oaks winner No Time is the only filly in a field of 13 set for Saturday's $1 million (Canadian) King's Plate for Canadian-bred 3-year-olds at Woodbine. Fillies have prospered against colts in recent years and the Ontario-bred daughter of Not This Time is the morning-line favorite, albeit at a tepid 7-2, to extend that record. She hasn't been the most consistent thing for trainer Mark Casse, sporting only three wins from eight starts. Among the males, the first three finishers from the Plate Trial return as does another Casse charge, Ashley's Archer, who defeated several of these in the Cup and Saucer last October. Elsewhere, trainer Brad Cox may have found a cozy spot for First Mission in Saturday's $250,000 Grade III Philip H. Iselin Stakes at Monmouth Park. The Godolphin runner finished third in the Grade I Stephen Foster in his last start, won the Grade II Oaklawn Handicap two starts back and his eight career wins include four graded stakes -- one more than Iselin opponent Repo Rocks. The other four combined have none. Distaff Good Cheer went undefeated through her first seven starts, including the Kentucky Oaks, before misfiring in the Grade I Acorn at Saratoga on June 6, finishing fifth. She returns in Saturday's $600,000 Grade I Alabama for 3-year-old fillies at the Spa to face the Acorn winner, La Cara, and four new foes. La Cara has won five of 11 starts, but finished ninth in the Kentucky Oaks, 13 lengths adrift of Good Cheer. Wait. There's more in this Alabama field. Kentucky-bred Queen Azteca started her career in Norway (yes, in Scandinavia) and then hit Dubai like a sandstorm early in the World Cup Carnival, winning the Group 3 UAE Oaks and finishing a respectable fifth in the Group 2 UAE Derby. She returned to Sweden and finished second in the Swedish Derby shortly after being acquired by Team Valor. Now, here she is taking on America's best. This field also has Nitrogen, who had been dynamite on the turf earlier, won an off-the-turf heat at the Spa on June 7 and tries the dirt again. Sprint Simcoe and Victory Achieved, both dedicated to speed, are the morning-line favorites in Saturday's $150,000 (Canadian) Bold Venture Stakes on the Woodbine all-weather course. The Young'uns Saturday's $150,000 Skidmore at Saratoga is 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf. Sandals Song, winner of the Royal Palm Juvenile, returns from a third-place finish in the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot. Tough Critic won his debut at Keeneland, but then finished 11th in the Windsor Castle at the Royal meeting. Trainer Wesley Ward unveils two -- Gypsy Art and Schwarzenneger. Sunday's counterpart for 2-year-old fillies, the $150,000 Bolton Landing, has 2-for-2 Gerrards Cross and My Sweetheart returning to the turf after finishing second on the dirt in the Schuylerville on the Fourth of July. While Thursday's "Best of Ohio" races at Thistledown were restricted to state-breds, the winners surely were impressive enough for their high-profile trainers to consider bigger things. Crown the Buckeye won the $100,000 Best of Ohio Kindergarten Stakes for state-breds by 12 1/4 lengths for trainer Mike Maker. Kontiki was equally dominant in the $100,000 Miss Ohio Stakes, kicking loose to win by 12 lengths for trainer Brad Cox. Around the world, around the clock France If all the entries actually go to the post, Sunday's Group 1 Prix Jacques Le Marois at Deauville should be quite the 1,600-meter show. The cast, as of Thursday, included Zabiari, Rosallion and Docklands with the likes of Dancing Gemini, Notable Speech and The Lion In Winter looking to regain form or move up a peg. That's only half the story, though, as Japan has dispatched ace miler Ascoli Piceno. The 4-year-old Daiwa Major filly is 2-for-2 this year, with victories in the Group 2 1351 Turf Sprint on the Saudi Cup undercard in February and the Grade I Victoria Mile at Tokyo Racecourse in May. It's not a Breeders' Cup qualifier. But it might as well be one. Ireland Saturday's Royal Whip Stakes at the Curragh is a quarterfinal, so to speak, in trainer Aidan O'Brien's bid to get Los Angeles to the Group 1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Should he show sufficient promise, the Coolmore runner would head for France and the Prix Foy on the Arc trials program. England York's iconic Ebor Meeting looms next week, featuring the Juddmonte International and a host of supporting heats. Great racing. Great venue. Stay tuned ... Wednesday's otherwise unremarkable schedule included a potentially promising little heat at Salisbury Racecourse, hard by Stonehenge and virtually in the shadow of one of England's iconic cathedrals. Only three turned out for the British Stallion Studs EBF Stonehenge Stakes for 2-year-olds, possibly because of the paltry £22,684 winner's share of the purse. The heavy favorites were Godolphin's Morris Dancer and Paul and Claire Rooney's A Bit of Spirit, both by Palace Pier. The latter showed a bit of spirit, leading for much of the 1 mile. Then, William Buick downshifted on Morris Dancer, blew by the rival and drove off to win by 4 lengths. Morris Dancer, trained by John and Thady Gosden, got his second win from four starts. He's entered for the big-time, late-season, 2-year old features.
Winnipeg Free Press
3 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Caitlinhergrtness looking to become first Plate-E. P. Taylor Stakes champion
TORONTO – It's a race Kevin Attard has won twice, but a third victory would be historic. Caitlinhergrtness, last year's $1-million King's Plate champion, will be among seven horses competing in Saturday's $750,000 Grade 1 E.P. Taylor Stakes at Woodbine Racetrack. A win would make the heralded filly the first to complete the Plate–E.P. Taylor double. 'I don't think that far ahead to be quite honest,' said Attard, Canada's top trainer last year. 'You focus on getting the horse as prepared as possible, hope for a little racing luck, and know afterwards if she's able to accomplish the feat that it's going to be very meaningful. 'She's a special horse already in my heart, obviously, winning the King's Plate with her. To win the E.P. Taylor would be a feather in the cap, so to speak.' It would also move Attard into a tie with Lou Cavarlaris Jr., Frank Merrill Jr. and Maurice Zilber for the most E.P. Taylor Stakes wins by a trainer. Attard captured last year's race with Full Count Felicia and won in 2019 with Starship Jubilee. Caitlinhergrtness, named after WNBA star Caitlin Clark, has a win and second-place finish over three starts this year while having registered eight top-three finishes (four wins, twice second, twice third) in 12 all-time races. Canada's '24 champion three-year-old filly has amassed lifetime earnings over $800,000. Caitlinhergrtness is coming off a second-place finish in the $150,000 Grade III Trillium Stakes at Woodbine on July 26 with jockey Rafael Hernandez. On Saturday, Flavien Prat — a multiple stakes-winning jockey from France — will be aboard Caitlinhergrtness. Hernandez will ride the French horse Venencia in the race. The race is being held Saturday rather than in September as upgrades to the E.P. Taylor turf course are slated to begin following this weekend's action. The date change could be good news for both the horse and trainer, given last year's Plate victory. Attard will definitely have an eye on the Plate. He has three starters in the 13-horse field — Dewolf, Faber and Mansetti — and is looking for a third victory in the opening jewel of the OLG Canadian Triple Crown. A factor working in Caitlinhergrtness's favour is the E.P. Taylor covers 1 1/4 miles, the same distance as the Plate. But the former is run on grass while the Plate goes over Woodbine's Tapeta track. 'Some horses appreciate the turf a little bit more; some horses are naturally only turf,' Attard said. 'She's been versatile, which is nice. 'Her only race on the E.P. Taylor was a little disappointing, I'm not sure why. We were really confident going into that race but for some reason she didn't run to her potential. Hopefully, she transitions Saturday a lot better than she did last time.' Caitlinhergrtness was a distant eighth in the Grade 2 Nassau Stakes on June 28 at Woodbine. Attard said the E.P. Taylor Stakes will present his horse with a big challenge. The field also features She Feels Pretty, a four-time Grade 1 winner that captured '23 Johnnie Walker Natalma Stakes at Woodbine. That earned She Feels Pretty a Breeders' Cup entry, eventually finishing third in the Juvenile Fillies Turf at Santa Anita. Saturday's winner will secure a berth in the US$2-million Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Del Mar later this fall. 'A win in the E.P. Taylor would give her an automatic berth into the Breeders' Cup, that would solidify that,' Attard said. 'She's a very good horse, definitely has the potential. 'She has to up her game and put her running shoes on, no doubt about it. Saturday is going to be a good test.' This will mark just the second Grade 1 entry for Caitlinhergrtness after taking third last October in the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup at Keeneland, Kentucky. She Feels Pretty won that race. 'We were on the lead, which surprised me a bit, but she's comfortable there,' Attard said. 'The winner was in a race of her own that day, but we were in the hunt, so there's no disgrace in the effort there.' Caitlinhergrtness will break from the No. 5 post Saturday and a seven-horse field should ensure a clean start for all. But Attard said being in a good position by the first turn is important. 'Obviously, with seven horses it's not hugely detrimental, but you can still get parked out a little wide on that first bend,' Attard said. 'You never want to lose ground, especially against top-quality horses. 'We're breaking from the five hole, so it's not a bad post, and she's also pretty tactical to boot. She's doing really well right now, which is all you can ask of her at this point.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 14, 2025.
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.'
Toronto Sun
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Woodbine's 70th thoroughbred racing season ready to get off and running
Thoroughbred's train early morning training at Woodbine Racetrack in preparation for opening day on Saturday. Michael Burns Photo With all the logistics having been worked out, it's now time for the horses to begin the show at Woodbine. 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. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. 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 Don't have an account? Create Account 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. 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. But those issues haven't stopped the show entirely and local fans are in for some entertainment between now and mid-December. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 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. 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. They will be joined by Patrick Husbands, Fraser Aebly and Sofia Vives, who was named Canada's outstanding apprentice jockey on Thursday. Fans also are looking forward to the returns of two riders from serious injuries. 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. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. 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. 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. 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. 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. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Tiller's stable star Patches O'Houlihan was named Canada's 2024 horse of the year on Thursday. '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.' Saturday's card features the $125,000 Star Shoot Stakes for three-year-old fillies at six furlongs. The boys get their first turn in the $125,000 Woodstock Stakes on Sunday. The racing schedule adds Fridays on May 3 and Thursdays on May 16. The meet concludes on Dec. 14. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Read More Major Local Race Days (At Woodbine, Woodbine Mohawk Park and Fort Erie) May 31 – Four stakes with the Eclipse, Jacques Cartier, Royal North and Belle Mahone all being decided. June 14 – The $1 million North America Cup heads a spectacular card at Woodbine Mohawk Park. June 28 – The road to the Woodbine Oaks and King's Plate ramps up with the Selene and Marine Stakes as part of a five-stake festival. July 20 – The Woodbine Oaks and Plate Trial Stakes are joined by the Canadian and Connaught Cup Stakes. Aug. 16 – The 166th running of the King's Plate will be joined by the E.P. Taylor Stakes which has been added to the Breeders' Cup Challenge schedule. Four other stakes will fill the stacked card. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Aug. 30 – The Canadian Pacing Derby and Maple Leaf Trot kick Mohawk's Grand Circuit month into high gear. Sept. 9 – The Prince of Wales Stakes continues the triple crown series at Fort Erie. Sept. 13 – The $1 million Rogers Woodbine Mile, the Summer Stakes and the Natalma Stakes will all guarantee its winners a Breeders' Cup spot. Two other stakes are scheduled. Sept. 20 – Canada's richest night of horse racing features two $1 million races, the Mohawk Million and Metro Pace amongst five classics. Sept. 28 – The Breeders' Stakes concludes the Canadian triple crown series. Oct. 4 – The $750,000 Canadian International is back with the Nearctic and Dance Smartly Stakes supporting this fall turf festival. Oct. 24-25 – The $7 million (U.S.) Breeders' Crown, harness racing's championships, come to Mohawk for the first time since 2022. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. (Announced Thursday) Horse of the Year: Patches O'Houlihan Two-year-old male: He's Not Joking Two-year-old female: Nitrogen Three-year-old male: Dresden Row Three-year-old female: Caitlinhergrtness Older male: Paramount Prince Older female: Fashionably Fab Top turf male: Filo Di Arianna Top turf female: Full Count Felicia Male Sprinter: Patches O'Houlihan Female Sprinter: Play The Music Apprentice Jockey: Sofia Vives Jockey: Sahin Civaci Trainer: Kevin Attard Broodmare: Platinum Steel Breeder: Adena Springs Owner: Gary Barber Special Sovereign Award: Emma-Jayne Wilson Special Sovereign Award: Moira E.P. Taylor Award of Merit: Roger Attfield Writing: Mike McIntyre Photograph: Mary Jane Sibbitt Digital Media/Broadcast: Horse Racing Alberta Groom: Victor James Off-track Worker: Ian Dick Ontario Toronto Maple Leafs Canada Toronto & GTA Diet & Fitness
