"INGLORIOUS" WINS 2011 QUEEN'S PLATE

Inglorious wins 2011 Queen's Plate

Although I've never been to any  US casinos, I do on the odd occasion visit Toronto's Woodbine Racetrack & Casino, home of North America's most historic race the Queen's Plate, which was run this weekend. Unfortunately, no members of the Royal Family were able to make an appearance like last year's visit from HRH Queen Elizabeth II.  William & Kate originally had been hoped to make an appearance during their Canadian visit, although alas Toronto was left off their itinerary.

Yesterday Inglorious became only the fifth filly in Canadian history to win both the Woodbine Oaks and the Queen's Plate, both the country's most important races for three year-old horses. Sent-off as the third betting choice against her male opponents, clearly her abilities were underestimated by the betting public on the record-setting day of wagering.  The Purse for the Race was $1 million, of which the Winner receives 60%. Victorious 25 year-old Mexican Jockey Luis Contreras receives 10% of that total.  Betting reached a record high with $8.8 million being wagered yesterday at Woodbine.

Inglorious who rightfully should have been last year's champion two year-old Filly in Canada, was ineligible for the Award since she was one race short of a three-race minimum requirement. Oddsmakers recognizing her potential however, made her the Winterbook favourite to win the 2011 Queen's Plate. In addition to Inglorious' win being a celebration for the Ladies, this moment marked the second time in which female Trainer Josie Carroll had won the prestigious race. Carroll last won the race in 2006 with Edenwold, a colt.

There still is no word on whether or not Inglorious will return for the second leg of Canada's Triple Crown next month in Fort Erie, the Prince of Wales Stakes.

As an interesting aside, Inglorious' maternal Grandsire Smart Strike happens to be a Half-Brother to one of the greatest fillies in History Dance Smartly, who won the 1991 Canadian Triple Cown. Dance Smartly also was able to defeat her male counterparts in the Queen's Plate that year en route to becoming the first-ever Canadian horse to win an often championship-deciding Breeder's Cup race later that year.  

(Photo credit: Darren Calabrese/Canadian Press)