WOODBINE HOSTS 2011 "BREEDERS' CROWN": LOCAL HERO "SAN PAIL" BRINGS FANS TO TEARS

Woodbine Racetrack - 2011 Breeders' Crown Night

For the first time in History, the complete Breeders' Crown was held in Canada last night at Woodbine Racetrack here in Toronto. The series of twelve races for separate divisions totaling  over-$6 million are considered deciding factors for which Standardbred Horses (yes, the ones in Buggies) will be crowned North American Champions at the end of the Racing Season.

As many race Favourites performed to expectation, there were few surprises to be unraveled last night for Fans and international Betting Public.  A spirit of Community could be felt  deeply among Racing Fans with local Hero San Pail being victorious in his division the $600k Breeders' Crown Open Trot, holding-on narrowly against French competitor Commander Crowe - perhaps a namesake tribute to Russell Crowe and his performance in Peter Weir's Master and Commander.   

Fans donning I ♥ SAN PAIL Buttons - and there were many - could be heard cheering loudly in the Grandstand and some so proud they were in tears at the success of the seven-year-old equine Hero who likely will be crowned Canadian Standardbred Horse of the Year in 2011.  In a rare occasion, Supporters were welcomed into the Winner's Circle to take a Photograph with charismatic Driver Randall Waples and San Pail himself!  One kind Fan even captured a Photo of the Winner of over- $1.2 million this year alone, leaning-in as if to give me a peck!

San Pail & Mr. Will-W.

See a Video below of the Race I captured:

...and that's why I've loved Horse Racing since I was a Kid.

Fans also got to witness the World Record-setting performance by a v. special 2 year-old  Pacer (different from Trotters) Colt named Sweet Lou who stopped the clocks at the one-mile distance in 1:49, besting the finishing times of Horses his senior last night in other divisions.

And despite losing every single race on the Card, the all-time Record-holding Driver for most Breeders' Crown wins, John Campbell, saved the best for last with a Win in the evening's marquee Race, the Breeders' Crown Open Pace with Bettor Sweet.

See some more Photos of the historic night:

San Pail meets his Fans

Randall Waples, Driver of San Pail

Bettor Sweet, Winner of 2011 Breeders' Crown Open Pace

Sweet Lou - Winner of 2011 Breeders' Crown 2 Year-Old Colt Pace

Androvette, Winner of 2011 Breeders' Crown Mare Pace

Betterthancheddar, Winner of 3 Year-Old Colt & Gelding Pace

Cedar Dove - Winner of 2011 3 Year-Old Filly Trot

John Campbell & Mr. Will-W.

Randall Waples & Mr. Will-W.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will-W.)