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)

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)

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.)

DUSTIN HOFFMAN STARS IN NEW HBO SERIES "LUCK"

Still from Luck

What would life be like without HBO? During Breeders' Cup weekend, these Promo Spots for Michael Mann's new series Luck were aired repeatedly and I must admit, it looks pretty damn good. With the Season Finale of Boardwalk Empire creeping-up, Luck will more than ably be filling that void for Fans this Winter.

Dustin Hoffman and Nick Nolte star in what is sure to be Emmys bait.  And if you might recall, Torontonian Jockey Chantal Sutherland whom I posted about yesterday, appears in six of the Series' completed twelve episodes.  Cannot wait to see this.  I'll pay the extra $20 to add HBO Canada back to my TV Package!

Watch the Promo Spot for Luck in full below:

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.