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.

"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)