CHAMPION ITALIAN JOCKEY UMBERTO RISPOLI IN TORONTO

Umberto Rispoli in Toronto - August 2012

Now who said Horse Racing wasn't a sexy Sport?  Meet handsome Italian Champion Jockey Umberto Rispoli, making a super-rare appearance at Toronto's Woodbine Racetrack earlier today to ride German import Scalo (GB). The five-year-old Horse quite possibly could be using today's sharp third-place finish in the Sky Classic Stakes as a springboard to Canada's richest race, the $1.5-million Pattison Woodbine International this October.

24-year-old Rispoli arrived in Toronto Saturday from Deauville, France where he is based this season after a successful campaign prior in Hong Kong which included a win in their most important race, the Queen Elizabeth II Cup aboard Japanese Star, Rulership.  

Dressed sharply in a Suit, Rispoli was easily identifiable heading-off to Pearson International Airport for an eight-hour flight back to France, stopping to shake my hand and pose for a quick Snap Surprisingly, this Fan of Lady Gaga and Pitbull's English is perfect. Woodbine Commentator Dawn Lupul Tweets me about her meeting the talented Rider saying, "Very nice young man and thankfully his English is better than my Italian!".

Incredible honour. Hoping he'll be back again in October!

Learn more about Rispoli on his official website here.

Check-out Rispoli's ride aboard Scalo (GB) today:

"IRISH MISSION" MAKES IT POSSIBLE: FILLY WINS FINAL LEG OF CANADIAN TRIPLE CROWN

Irish Mission (#3) victorious in the 2012 Breeders' Stakes

Mission possible. The 122nd edition of the Breeders' Stakes were held today at Woodbine Racetrack, the final leg of the Canadian Triple Crown. After a thrilling Stretch Duel, Irish Mission has now stamped herself as Canada's top 3-year-old Filly, out-finishing eleven male and two female Opponents in the grueling 12-furlong race, valued at $500k.

Under the guidance of top U.S. Jockey Alex Solis, the Daughter of Giant's Causeway and Misty Mission held-on strong after fighting valiantly down the long stretch of Woodbine's world-renowned Turf Course. She beat-out Aldous Snow, who is named after Russell Brand's charismatic Rock Star in Comedy Get Him to the Greek. Irish Mission prevailed by half a length, bumping her lifetime earnings to $834k - which seems all the more impressive considering that she only won her first race in April 2012, after several failed attempts last year locally. Quaesitor finished five lengths behind in third, under top Rider Emma-Jayne Wilson. Supporters of the Winner were rewarded $11.80 to a $2 bet.  The final finishing time was 2:30.9, above five full seconds off the Course Record.

In addition to prevailing today, Irish Mission also managed to keep her female Arch-Rival  and actual Race Favourite Dixie Strike behind her, a well-beaten sixth. The two Fillies have duked it out through this year's Triple Crown, taking turns finishing ahead of the other. 

The one-two finish of Irish Mission and Aldous Snow today is a true testament to the legacy of Milton, Ontario's Sam-Son Farms which in 1987 won this same race with a Filly named Hangin on a Star. That same Filly went-on to become the eventual maternal Grandmother of Irish Mission.  Although they were responsible for breeding today's Winner, in 2010 they had sold her at an Auction for $375k to American Robert S. Evans, Chairman of Crane Co. Aldous Snow is both bred and owned by Sam-Son Farms.

"STRAIT OF DOVER" WINS 153RD EDITION OF THE QUEEN'S PLATE

Queen's Plate Day 2012 at Woodbine

The threat of a torrential downpour couldn't stop the Party at Woodbine Racetrack today as 40,000-plus Horse Racing Fans united to celebrate North America's most prestigious and continuously-run Race, the 153rd edition of the Queen's Plate.  The Day was made complete with Food Trucks, elegant Hats, a Lady Gaga Impersonator, the official Queen's Plate Cocktail - The Blue Diamond, the RCMP's dazzling Musical Ride and an appearance by Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, David Onley. Fans couldn't have asked for a more thrilling run today from eventual Victor, Strait of Dover who led the ten-furlong Match wire-to-wire with plenty left in reserve.

The three-year-old Son of English Channel and Bahrain Star together with Jockey Justin Stein, accomplished a rare feat today becoming the first-ever British Columbia-born Horse/Jockey Duo to win the Queen's Plate.  If anything, British Columbia's Star has never shined brighter with Vancouver's Mario Gutierrez also having won this year's Kentucky Derby aboard a recently-retired and Japan-bound I'll Have Another.

After beginning his Career at Vancouver's Hastings Park last year in lackluster fashion, Strait of Dover was shipped over to Woodbine last Fall, quite literally transforming into another Horse altogether. He has now won four races in-a-row and today he took home 60% of the $1-million Queen's Plate Purse for Trainer Daniel J. Vella and British Columbia-based Owners, Canyon Farms.  Five floors' worth of Racing Fans witnessed the Colt set a new Course Record of 2:01.99 and  his Supporters were rewarded with $9.60 on a $2.00 bet. Talk about setting the record "strait"!

POST POSITIONS DRAWN FOR 2012 QUEEN'S PLATE: NORTH AMERICA'S MOST HISTORIC HORSE RACE

Dixie Strike

Post Positions have been drawn for the 153rd edition of the Queen's Plate, North America's most historic and Canada's most prestigious Horse Race, taking place this Sunday at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto. Canadian Gold Medal-winning Swimmer Mark Tewksbury had the honour of being Celebrity Drawmaster at the Race's Draw earlier today. 

Concerns about the future of the Queen's Plate have been ever-present of late with the Ontario Government's plans to cancel Slots at Ontario Racetracks. Premier Dalton McGuinty announced earlier this year that Slots would be ended at all Ontario Racetracks by March 2013 due to recent changes in the Province's Gaming and Casino structure.  Revenue generated from Slots have helped the Ontario Racing Industry thrive over the past decade, employing over 60k People and also fueling an increase in Race Purses, drawing more than ever, World Quality talent to Woodbine Racetrack.

The Field for the 2012 Queen's Plate is a competitive one with two Fillies - Dixie Strike & Irish Mission - set to tackle on the Boys:

"I'll HAVE ANOTHER" WINS 138TH KENTUCKY DERBY: COLT SPORTS CANADIAN CONNECTIONS

I'll Have Another wins 138th Kentucky Derby

Purchased for just $11k originally, I'll Have Another made his Canadian Connections proud today at Churchill Downs, winning the 138th Edition of the historic Kentucky Derby. The three-year-old Colt is owned by Windsor, Ontario's Paul Reddam and was ridden by former-Vancouver Jockey, Mario Gutierrez.  Coincidentally, Gutierrez is of Mexican descent, celebrating Cinco de Mayo today with a Victory in the Race, which traditionally is run on the first Saturday of May.  Prior to winning today's Race, I'll Have Another came off another winning race in important Prep, the Santa Anita Derby in April.  Today's Payday was worth $1.45 million for Reddam and the Colt had a few Celebrities supporting him including Smash's Meg Hilty and Actor/Singer Jack Black.

Trained by Doug O'Neill, I'll Have Another was overlooked in the betting being sent-off at 15-1 Odds, paying a generous $32.60 on a $2.00 bet.  Placing second was Pacesetter Bodemeister, trained by Bob Baffert who just two months ago had suffered a Heart Attack in Dubai.  After leading for most of the Race, that Colt who is named after Baffert's seven-year-old Son Bodie, was caught only late, losing by one-and-a-half-lengths as the Race Favourite at 4-1 Odds.  Finishing third was Dullahan in a late surge. 

Highly-regarded Union Rags had a troubled trip, managing to finish only seventh, while last year's two-year-old Champion Colt Hansen finished ninth after sweating profusely pre-race, looking visibly uncomfortable.  Prospective who began his Career in Toronto at Woodbine Racetrack was a well-beaten 18th.

Watch the 138th Edition of The Kentucky Derby below:

CHANTAL SUTHERLAND BY BO DEREK FOR "VANITY FAIR"

Chantal Sutherland by Bo Derek

Time perfectly for today's Kentucky Derby, Vanity Fair has released their Photos of Toronto Jockey Chantal Sutherland by Celebrity Photographer Bo Derek.  Having a bit of a Godiva moment, Sutherland looks breathtaking and although obviously provocative, this is handled as elegantly as possible.  Click here to read more.

Proud of her and to be honest, Sutherland actually broke news of the Photo Shoot to me before many other Sources first last December, when I caught-up with her at Woodbine Racetrack before the end of the Season.  I however, was sworn to secrecy, but am thrilled to finally see the results!

The Kentucky Derby airs between 4 to 7 PM EST on NBC today, don't forget to catch it!

(Photo credit: Vanity Fair/Bo Berek)

THE 138TH KENTUCKY DERBY: CELEBRITIES AND THE CONTENDERS

Hansen

Saturday marks the 138th running of The Kentucky Derby, one of the World's most prestigious Horse Races held annually at Churchill Downs. This year looks to be a tough match reuniting three of the top four Finishers in last Fall's two-year-old Championship-deciding Breeder's Cup Juvenile: Hansen, Union Rags and Dullahan.  Hansen went on to be named 2011's top two-year-old Horse in the U.S.

Despite coming fourth in that Key Race last Fall, Dullahan has turned the tables on Hansen, beating him last time in a key Prep Race, The Toyota Blue Grass Stakes mid-April.  Meanwhile, Union Rags who widely is considered a threat to win it all, comes of a lackluster third-place finish in the Florida Derby late March to Take Charge Indy, who just might be peaking right in-time for this Saturday's Match. 

Another one to look out for is Bodemeister, who just began racing in California in January. In mid-April he won The Arkansas Derby, destroying his Opponents easily. Above this, Toronto will be represented by Prospective, who began his Career last Summer at Woodbine Racetrack and achieved some success in Florida over the Winter winning The Tampa Bay Derby against easier.

Celebrities love The Kentucky Derby and expected to attend this year are the likes of Max Adler, Kate Upton, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Kid Rock, Andre Agassi, Tom Brady,  Mary J. Blige, Brad Garrett, David Arquette, The Band Perry, Danny Glover, Fred Willard, Jonathan Kite, Jason Aldean, Star Jones, Kellan Lutz, Ashton Kutcher, Cyndi Lauper, Miranda Lambert, Nick Lachey and many more!

Click here to check out the complete Field for The 138th Kentucky Derby.  Who is your pick to win it all?

NBC airs The Kentucky Derby 5 to 7 PM EST on Saturday, May 5, 2012.

(Photo credit: Breeders Cup)

WOODBINE KICKS-OFF 2012 RACING SEASON

1) Delightful Song 2) Entrants in first race of 2012 Woodbine Season 3) The Daily Racing Form's Bill Talon, Woodbine's VP, Corporate Affairs Stephen Koch & Blogger/Woodbine Media Wiz Keith McCalmont 4) Justin Stein 5) Holy Schneikes winning 6) Gypsy Ring 7) Emma-Jayne Wilson 8) Eurico Rosa Da Silva & Mr. Will-W.

Another year of excitement has commenced at Woodbine Racetrack with their 2012 Season kicking- off yesterday!  Many familiar faces were seen including top Jockeys Emma-Jayne Wilson, Patrick Husbands, just-crowned Sovereign Award Winner Luis Contreras and Eurico Rosa Da Silva making a welcomed return after his 2011 season was cut-short due to an injury.

Racing Fans came-out en masse to show their support, filling-up the Grandstand after a four-month-long Winter break.  To engage Racing Fans into this age of Social Media, an Incentive  was run giving them a chance to winner a Dinner for Four at the Racetrack simply by Emailing or Tweeting Photos from the Venue on Opening Day.

The Star of the Day was Gypsy Ring, a six-year-old Gelding who was a popular Competitor on the Circuit last year, winning his seventh Victory in the $100k Debut Stakes with Justin Stein aboard.  Another Fan Favourite last year, Holy Schneikes showed his true versatility winning a Sprint Race today; he showed his true mettle last year nabbing Races at Marathon distances.  Although still not ready, the Turf Course was looking impeccable today and it shouldn't be long before we start seeing some of our local Stars racing again on the grass.  Perhaps we'll even see last year's Champion Three-Year-Old Filly Inglorious make her debut on the Turf here after her younger Half-Sister Dixie Strike proved herself on the grass down in Florida over the Winter?

Click here to visit Woodbine Racetrack's Official Website.  Make a day of it this Spring/Summer with your Friends and maybe make some money too!  I know I sure did today, winning six out of seven races and a bit of Shopping Money!

Follow Woodbine Racing on Twitter here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

SAVE ONTARIO'S HORSE RACING INDUSTRY

Woodbine Racetrack at Sunset

I don't usually get Political on this Blog as I'm all about Pop Culture, but this is a cause to which  my heart is strongly attached.  It is estimated that annually, Slot Parlours at Ontario's Racetracks bring in over $1.36 billion Revenue. The Ontario Liberal Party has announced plans to shut-down these Parlours, which could result in a loss of 60,000 jobs across the Province - a devastating blow not only to those in the Horse Racing Industry, but also us as people of Ontario. Money generated from Slots get invested into Hospitals, the Volunteer Sector and Municipal Projects. 

Think about the impact this has on the hardworking Horsemen and Horsewomen who have spent their lives working in the Industry and also the Horses themselves whom are bred to be Athletes, and what may become of them with fewer opportunities to compete as a result of these cuts. Think also these cuts' overall impact on Ontario's Agricultural Infrastructure.

I invite you to show your support for Ontario's Horse Racing Industry, by clicking here. It will take only a moment, I promise!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

THIRD HORSE DIES ON THE SET OF "LUCK"

Still from Luck

This saddens me deeply as a true Horse Lover. HBO has halted production on its Horse Racing Drama Series Luck, starring Dustin Hoffman and Nick Nolte, after a Horse was injured and euthanized earlier today.  The Horse was being led onto Santa Anita Race Track in Arcadia, California by a Groom when it reared and sustained a head injury, resulting in the decision to euthanize it.  Although this incident doesn't appear to be related in any way to mistreatment, the American Humane Association has ordered an investigation, according to the Associated Press.

During the filming of its first season, two Horses were euthanized also as a result of injuries sustained while filming intense racing scenes for Luck, which only recently was renewed for a second season beginning January 2013.  HBO continues to be firm in their stance that they are adhering to safety standards, working together with the American Humane Association and Industry Experts.

Luck, despite drawing modest ratings, has received favourable reviews garnering a score of 75 on Metacritic.

UPDATE (3/14/12): HBO announced that Luck has officially been cancelled. According to a Statement issued on their part today, they state: "While we maintained the highest safety standards possible, accidents unfortunately happen and it is impossible to guarantee they won't in the future".

(Photo credit: HBO)

2011 SOVEREIGN AWARD NOMINEES ANNOUNCED: HONOURING BEST IN CANADIAN THOROUGHBRED RACING

2011 Sovereign Award Nominees: 1. Maritimer  2. Tu Endie Wei  3. Embur's Song  4. Inglorious  5. Luis Contreras  6. Pender Harbour  7. Fifty Proof  8. Atlantic Hurricane  9. Musketier  10. Miss Keller  11. Roger Attfield  12. Never Retreat)

Although they won't be held until Thursday, April 5, 2012 when the new season of Racing commences, the Jockey Club of Canada has announced its 37th Annual Sovereign Award Nominees, honouring the best in Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Racing.  Considered a top candidate for Canadian Horse of the Year, seven-year-old mare Never Retreat is poised also to take the award for Champion Turf Female.  She was retired last month with a minor foot injury, but sure made Woodbine Fans proud in 2011, winning the important races locally like the Canadian and Dance Smartly Stakes before heading to Kentucky, scoring a major victory in the First Lady Stakes last October. She faces stiff competition also from past Winner and just-retired Miss Keller, who ran a eye-popping race in the E.P. Taylor Stakes at Woodbine in October.

Another filly entering the Horse of the Year race with strong credentials is Inglorious, based on the strength of two important Summer wins in two of the Country's most important races, the Woodbine Oaks and historic Queen's Plate.  Her Dam Noble Strike, is up for Outstanding Broodmare producing also the talented Dixie Strike.

Raising a few eyebrows is possible Champion Two-Year-Old Male Maritimer who was just sold to scandalous Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov (remember that Hilary Swank controversy?) for $1.7 million. Campaigned aggressively late in the season, Maritimer went on to win two important races in his division including the important Coronation Futurity.  We could be seeing the gelding this Summer in the Queen's Plate or even the Kentucky Derby.  Excaper who ran second in the Breeder's Cup Juvenile Turf, flying Canadian colours proudly, hasn't been as consistent but also is a major contender.

"BILLYBILLWILLYWILL" WINS DEBUT

Billybillwillywill

Now that's what I'm talking about!  A four-year-old Gelding with perhaps the best name ever, Billybillwillywill, won first-time-out today at Gulfstream Park in Florida going wire-to-wire.  His victory rewarded his supporters with $9.00 on a $2.00 bet.  He might be a bit of a Late Bloomer as most Horses debut at two or three-years-old, but he came ready!  Amaze.  

Billy and I are major Fans already, naturally.

(Photo credit: Roberts Communication Network, LLC)

ACTRESS/MODEL/JOCKEY CHANTAL SUTHERLAND RETURNS HOME TO TORONTO

Chantal Sutherland & Mr. Will-W.

She's back!  Toronto's v. own Chantal Sutherland has returned home once again - even if only for a weekend - to cap-off the Thoroughbred Racing Season at Woodbine Racetrack.  After meeting Fans in Las Vegas the other day, she flew-in last night to her Hometown, where she cut her teeth before riding her way to major success south of the Border at California's Santa Anita and Hollywood Parks.  Just last month, she rode a career-defining first runner-up finish in North America's richest race, the $5-million Breeder's Cup Classic aboard Game on Dude.

Not only is Sutherland a first-class Jockey, but she also is a Model (Annie Leibovitz has shot her for Vogue), Reality TV Star (at one point in talks to star on ABC's Dancing with the Stars) and she soon will be seen alongside the likes of Nick Nolte and Dustin Hoffman in HBO's hotly-tipped new Series, Luck. The first Episode of Luck will air on Sunday, December 11, 2011 and it premieres officially on Sunday, January 29, 2012.

Sutherland aboard Sense of Pride

The beautiful Sutherland revealed a secret to me right before winning her second race today aboard Filly Sense of Pride, which I vowed not to repeat.  All I will say though is that early 2012 Sutherland will be appearing in a Spread on a v. internationally-known Magazine, photographed by a v. well-known Celebrity ...who also happens to be a Photographer.  Excite.

From the Grandstand, it was clear how much Toronto misses Sutherland, with tons of clapping and cheering just for her.  Welcome home Chantal, Queen of Everything!

Follow Sutherland on Twitter here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

CANADIANS MAKE A SPLASH AT 2011 "BREEDERS' CUP"

Chantal Sutherland

Toronto's v. own Chantal Sutherland made us proud today with her thrilling ride in the $5-million Breeders' Cup Classic at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky - Horse Racing's Championship Weekend. Although she didn't ride the Winner, she did a fine job aboard first runner-up Game on Dude, finishing right behind 2010 Belmont Stakes Winner Drosselmeyer, who was ridden by Mike Smith ...her Ex-Fiancé.

After cutting her teeth at Woodbine Race Track, basing her career there between 2000-2010, Sutherland now is living in California and riding at Santa Anita Park, where next year's Breeders' Cup races will be held.  Since gracing the World of Horse Racing with her beautiful looks in this Testosterone-dominated Sport, she has positioned herself among the best.  And she proved today she's truly is one of the best.

Above what clearly is talent, she also possesses Star Power which is just what might be needed to help the Sport reach a wider and younger audience. Sutherland has been photographed for a spread in Vogue Magazine by famed Photographer Annie Leibovitz, starred in Animal Planet Reality Series Jockeys and even was named one of People Magazine's 100 Most Beautiful People.  Although not many know it, she was at one point considered for ABC's Dancing with the Stars too.

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!

"SARAH LYNX" WINS 2011 PATTISON CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL: WOODBINE DRAWS WORLD'S GREATEST TURF HORSES

Sarah Lynx wins 2011 Pattison Canadian International

Some of the World's finest Turf Specialists came to Woodbine Racetrack to compete for Prestige and Purse Money on a Race Card highlighted by the 76th running of the Pattison Canadian International. 38 years ago, the legendary Secretariat would make that same race his v. last before closing the curtain on a storied and remarkable career that would be the stuff of Disney films.  Horses flew in from across the Atlantic, partaking in three separate marquee Grade I stake races: the Nearctic (a Turf Sprint valued at $500k), the E.P. Taylor (a Turf Race for Female Turf Specialists valued at $1m) and the Pattison Canadian International (an open Turf Race valued at $1.5m).

Sarah Lynx & Christophe Soumillon

Exceeding all expectations in the one-and-a-half-mile Pattison Canadian International was the lone female contestant, a 4 year-old French-based/Irish-bred filly named Sarah Lynx who in ten races prior only could muster two wins.  Her latest effort September 11, 2011 at Longchamp Racecourse in hindsight however is v. telling as she finished just-behind the exceptional Galikova - Half-sister to three-time Breeders' Cup Turf Mile winner Goldikova.  Guided by Jockey Christophe Soumillon, Sarah Lynx cruised to a four-length win over last year's Winner Joshua Tree, rewarding her supporters generously with $46.90 on a $2 bet to win, making her only the sixth filly ever to have won the prestigious Race.   Meanwhile, the Betting Favourite Treasure Beach finished third.  Today's Victory guarantees Sarah Lynx and her Owners Mr. & Mrs. Robert Ehrnrooth, a spot in the Breeders' Cup Turf Classic on Horse Racing's Championship Day - Saturday, November 5, 2011 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

DENNIS RODMAN AT WOODBINE FOR PATTISON CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL

Dennis Rodman at Woodbine - October 2011

Things are going to get v. exciting at Woodbine Racetrack this weekend with the 76th edition of the Grade I Pattison Canadian International being held on Sunday.  Some of the World's best Turf specialists will be shipping-in to win a piece of that $1.5 million Purse at a mile-and-a-half.  The Winner will gain a spot in the prestigious $3 million Breeder's Cup Turf Classic at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on November 5, 2011.

Included in the Field this year are last year's Irish-bred Winner Joshua Tree (for all you U2 Fans!), a Filly named Sarah Lynx (also Irish-bred), England's Quest for Peace and American-bred/European-raced Arctic Cosmos. Redwood is the Field's leading money-earner with $2.3 million in winnings in 15 races. Our Home Team includes familiar names like Kara's Orientation, Musketier, Stormy Lord and Celtic Conviction ... lots of Irish connections there, yes?

NBA Hall of Fame-inductee and Madonna's former Flame Dennis Rodman partook in the fun earlier today at Woodbine as the Race's Drawmaster, looking sporty 'n' bling.  Believe it or not, Rodman loves the Races!  And in case you missed him, he'll be at Luxy Night Club in Vaughan, Ontario on Friday night.

Learn more about the Pattison Canadian International here.  I'll be there!

(Photo credit: Keith McCalmont)

EMMA-JAYNE WILSON - CANADA'S STAR FEMALE JOCKEY

Emma-Jayne Wilson & Mr. Will-W.

She's emmazing!  For those of you who aren't familiar with the sport of Horse Racing, I want to introduce you to Emma-Jayne Wilson. Born in Brampton, Ontario, this 29 year-old over the past seven years, has made her mark as one of the most respected Jockeys in North America.  A Queen in the Sport of Kings.

After studying Equine Management at the University of Guelph, Wilson had decided to pursue a career as a Jockey, riding her first winner only on her second race ever against some seasoned veterans back in August 2004.  She's gone on since then to earn a Riding Title based on her number of wins at Woodbine Race Track in Toronto (while she was just an Apprentice), became the first female Jockey to win the prestigious and historic Queen's Plate (2007) and also has won a Sovereign Award, which honour the v. best Canada has to offer in the Sport.  In addition, she consistently has been a finalist in the category of Outstanding Jockey.  Her career Purse Earnings  to-date have exceeded $40 million CAN.

CANADA'S QUEEN OF HORSE RACING "INGLORIOUS"

Inglorious

Already considered one of the greatest Canadian Race Horses of all time, Inglorious couldn't have a name more unfitting. Not only did win she win North America's most historic race The Queen's Plate on June 26th at Woodbine in Toronto, she did it as the lone filly up against a field of male competitors under Jockey Luis Contreras. Inglorious became only the 34th filly in the Race's 152-year history to have won, pushing her earnings past the $1.2 million mark in only seven starts.  Her Trainer Josie Carroll also has the distinction of becoming the first-ever female in the country to have won the prestigious race back in 2006 with Edenwold. A victory twice-over for the Ladies if you will.

Some could say that greatness is written Inglorious' bloodlines.  Her Dam-Sire (Maternal Grandfather for ease of understanding) Smart Strike is a Half-Brother to Dance Smartly - regarded widely as the greatest Canadian filly of all time in sweeping the Canadian Triple Crown in 1991.  As is the case with kids nowadays, they just love to rebel and Inglorious decidedly won't be following in her Family footsteps.  Instead of continuing on the Triple Crown trail, she will be headed south to New York State on August 20, 2011 for the Alabama Stakes.  That race will pit her up against some of the best three year-old fillies in North America for a purse of $500k and above this, Carroll already has won that same race back in 2009 with highly-regarded Careless Jewel.

And could you hold it against Carroll?  Many feel that Inglorious already is a likely candidate for Canadian Horse of the Year having won two of the Country's most important races, the Woodbine Oaks and Queen's Plate back-to-back in June.  What else is there to prove locally?  Why not establish that she also is the best in North America? Of course, we north of the Border already know this is fact - not opinion.

"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.