Horse Racing

Woodbine hires Dan Vella as Horse People Liaison

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 12:39 PM CDT

TORONTO - Woodbine Entertainment has hired longtime trainer Dan Vella as its Horse People Liaison.

Vella will assume his new position April 1. He'll serve as point of contact for owners and trainers regarding race conditions, track surface matters, backstretch maintenance, equine safety and race-day logistics.

The 67-year-old amassed more than 800 career wins and $39 million in earnings over five decades as a conditioner.

"I am so excited to have this opportunity to work for Woodbine and continue to be involved in the industry and sport that has given me so much," Vella said in a statement released Tuesday. "I have had the privilege of racing throughout North America and I can say firsthand that Woodbine is a top racetrack operator that has incredibly passionate and talented horse people — all of which contributes to some of the best thoroughbred racing on the continent."

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Canadian International returns to Woodbine in 2023

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Canadian International returns to Woodbine in 2023

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 7, 2023

The Canadian International returns in 2023.

The $7500,000 turf event for three-year-olds and up wasn't held in 2022 but will be run Oct. 8 at Woodbine Racetrack. It will cover 1 1/4 miles over the E.P. Taylor Turf Course instead of 1 1/2 miles.

Also on Oct. 8 will be the Grade 1 $750,000 E.P. Taylor, a 1 1/4-mile race for fillies and mares three years old an up.

Woodbine will open its 133-day meet April 22. It will conclude Dec. 10.

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Tuesday, Mar. 7, 2023

The Canadian International returns in 2023. The $7500,000 turf event for three-year-olds and up wasn't held in 2022 but will be run Oct. 8 at Woodbine Racetrack. Horses compete in a preliminary race at Woodbine Race Track, in Toronto, On., Sunday July 2, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mark Blinch

Williams nominated for Sovereign Award

Jason Bell 2 minute read Preview

Williams nominated for Sovereign Award

Jason Bell 2 minute read Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023

George Williams, who provides horse-racing coverage for the Free Press, has been nominated for a prestigious 2022 Sovereign Award in the writing category.

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Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023

George Williams: four-time winner.

John Veitch, trainer of Triple Crown runner-up Alydar, dies

Beth Harris, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

John Veitch, trainer of Triple Crown runner-up Alydar, dies

Beth Harris, The Associated Press 4 minute read Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023

John Veitch, who trained Alydar to narrow losses in all three Triple Crown races against rival Affirmed in 1978 during a Hall of Fame career, has died, his family said Thursday. He was 77.

Veitch died Tuesday of natural causes at home in Lexington, Kentucky, said Michael Veitch, his second cousin who spoke to Veitch's daughter, Shannon.

During his training career from 1974 to 2003, Veitch had 410 winners from 2,340 starts and earnings of $20,097,980, according to Equibase.

He was born into a family that had been training horses for three generations. His father, Sylvester, is in the Hall of Fame and the younger Veitch started out as his assistant.

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Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023

This 2007 photo, provided by the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, shows trainer John Veitch. Veitch, who trained Alydar to narrow losses in all three Triple Crown races against rival Affirmed in 1978 during a Hall of Fame career, has died. He was 77. He died Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023, of natural causes at home in Lexington, Kentucky, (National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame via AP)

Burt Bacharach was a hit at the racetrack, too

Beth Harris, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Burt Bacharach was a hit at the racetrack, too

Beth Harris, The Associated Press 4 minute read Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Not all of Burt Bacharach's hits were on the charts. The Oscar-winning songwriter and pianist found success at the racetrack, too.

He first got into horse racing in 1968, the year in which he co-wrote hits “Do You Know the Way to San Jose” by Dionne Warwick and “This Guy's in Love with You” by Herb Alpert.

Bacharach asked Charlie Whittingham to pick out a horse for him. The Hall of Fame trainer selected Battle Royal, who won his first race, setting Bacharach into a decadeslong career as an owner and breeder.

Bacharach, who died Wednesday in Los Angeles of natural causes at the age of 94, named his breeding operation Blue Seas Music.

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Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023

FILE - Actor Jack Nicholson, left, congratulates Academy Award-winner composer Burt Bacharach in the winner's circle after Bacharach's horse Soul of the Matter won the San Felipe Stakes horse race at Santa Anita on March 20, 1994, in Arcadia. Calif. Not all of Bacharach's hits were on the charts. The songwriter and pianist scored at the racetrack, too. Bacharach died Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023, in Los Angeles of natural causes. He was 94.(AP Photo/Douglas C. Pizac, File)

Legendary Downs trainers named to Indigenous athletics hall of Fame

George Williams 4 minute read Preview

Legendary Downs trainers named to Indigenous athletics hall of Fame

George Williams 4 minute read Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023

Two of the best trainers in the history of Assiniboia Downs, Jerry Gourneau and Tom Gardipy, Jr. have been inducted in the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame (NAIAHF).

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Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS files

Trainer Tom Gardipy Jr. has been inducted in the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame, establishing him as one og the greatest trainers in the history of Assiniboia Downs.

Trainer Jason Servis pleads guilty to drugging his horses

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Trainer Jason Servis pleads guilty to drugging his horses

The Associated Press 3 minute read Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022

NEW YORK (AP) — Trainer Jason Servis, whose horse Maximum Security was the 3-year-old champion in 2019, pleaded guilty Friday to federal charges involving a widespread scheme to drug horses.

The 65-year-old New Jersey-based trainer faces four years in prison when he is sentenced next May in U.S. District Court in Manhattan. He was the last defendant facing charges in the scheme, and now 23 of the 31 individuals charged have pleaded guilty.

Servis pleaded guilty in connection with his role in the distribution of adulterated and misbranded drugs intended for use on horses in his stable.

“Servis’ conduct represents corruption at the highest levels of the racehorse industry,” Damian Williams, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, said in a statement. “As a licensed racehorse trainer, Servis was bound to protect the horses under his care and to comply with racing rules designed to ensure the safety and well-being of horses and protect the integrity of the sport.”

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Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022

FILE - Trainer Jason Servis stands at Churchill Downs onMay 3, 2019, in Louisville, Ky. Servis, whose horse Maximum Security was the 3-year-old champion in 2019, pleaded guilty Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, to federal charges involving a widespread scheme to drug horses. The New Jersey-based trainer faces four years in prison when he is sentenced next May in U.S. District Court in Manhattan. He was the last defendant facing charges, and now 23 of the 31 individuals charged have pleaded guilty. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan, File)

Unbeaten Flightline retires, will begin breeding career

Gary B. Graves, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Unbeaten Flightline retires, will begin breeding career

Gary B. Graves, The Associated Press 4 minute read Monday, Nov. 7, 2022

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Flightline has been retired and will stand at stud after completing a dominant, unbeaten career capped by Saturday's runaway victory in the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland.

The son of Tapit will begin his breeding career next year at the farm in Versailles, Kentucky, Lane’s End Farms announced in a news release Sunday morning.

The 4-year-old bay colt won the 1¼-mile, Grade 1 Classic by a record 8¼ lengths as the 2-5 favorite to cap a 6-0 thoroughbred career. His time of 2:00.05 was just a tick off Authentic's time of 1:59.60 two years ago.

Flightline was virtually unknown until his 19¼-length victory in September’s Grade 1 Pacific Classic at Del Mar. His combined victory margin of 62¾ lengths entering the season-ending championships soon drew a lot of attention — along with comparisons to legendary Triple Crown winner Secretariat.

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Monday, Nov. 7, 2022

Trainer John W. Sadler stands next to jockey Flavien Prat after Flightline won the Breeders' Cup Classic horse race at Keenelend Race Course, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Lexington, Ky. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Queen’s Plate winner Moira faces challenge in Breeders’ Cup race

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Queen’s Plate winner Moira faces challenge in Breeders’ Cup race

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022

She earned trainer Kevin Attard his first Queen's Plate title earlier this year, but Moira will have plenty of ground to cover to secure her conditioner a Breeders' Cup trophy.

The champion filly will break from the No. 12 post in the US$2-million Filly and Mare Turf event set at 1 3/16 miles Saturday at Keeneland. She'll be one of two Canadian entries in the 12-horse field, with Lady Speightspeare -- owned by Charles Fipke and trained by veteran Woodbine conditioner Roger Attfield -- starting from the No. 1 post.

"You can't over-think these things, it's obviously the luck of the draw," Attard said during a telephone interview. "They start right at the bend coming out of the turn so there should be some time to position her.

"Obviously we have a very capable jockey."

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Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022

Jockey Rafael Hernandez, aboard Moira, races on their way to winning the 163rd running of the $1-million Queen's Plate in Toronto on August 21, 2022. Moira will run against some of the world's top female grass horses in the US$2-million Filly and Mare Turf event Saturday at the Breeders' Cup. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mark Blinch

Flightline heads Breeders’ Cup Classic; Baffert back in Ky

Beth Harris, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Flightline heads Breeders’ Cup Classic; Baffert back in Ky

Beth Harris, The Associated Press 4 minute read Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022

Undefeated Flightline and Rich Strike, upset winner of the Kentucky Derby, head a field of nine for the Breeders' Cup Classic, with trainer Todd Pletcher pre-entering two horses for the $6 million race that also includes a horse from the barn of embattled trainer Bob Baffert.

Trained by John Sadler, Flightline is 5-0 in his career, winning his starts by a combined margin of 62 3/4 lengths.

“We know we have a really super horse,” Sadler said Wednesday. “The pressure is there because he’s going to be a heavy favorite, but I’ve trained quite a long time and this is the kind of pressure you want.”

The 4-year-old Flightline is coming off a record 19 1/4-length win in his last race, the $1 million Pacific Classic at Del Mar on Sept. 3.

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Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022

FILE - Rich Strike, with Sonny Leon aboard, crosses the finish line to win the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 7, 2022, in Louisville, Ky. Undefeated Flightline and Rich Strike, upset winner of the Kentucky Derby, head a field of nine for the Breeders' Cup Classic. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)

A season to remember at Assiniboia Downs

George Williams 5 minute read Preview

A season to remember at Assiniboia Downs

George Williams 5 minute read Friday, Sep. 30, 2022

Assiniboia Downs ended its 2022 live racing season on a positive note Wednesday as fans bet $2,448,634 and increased the wagering total for the season to $55,326,730, second only to the record wagering of 2020.

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Friday, Sep. 30, 2022

Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Downs

Assiniboia Downs CEO Darren Dunn (centre) presents 2022 leading trainer Jerry Gourneau and leading rider Jorge Carreno with their championship trophies.

Royal silks return as King Charles III’s horse finishes 2nd

The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

Royal silks return as King Charles III’s horse finishes 2nd

The Associated Press 1 minute read Thursday, Sep. 29, 2022

SALISBURY, England (AP) — The famous royal silks returned to British horse racing on Thursday, with the first runner under the ownership of King Charles III finishing a distant second at Salisbury.

Educator was the first horse to wear the purple, red and gold silks since the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Sept. 8.

Her oldest son and heir, Charles, has taken on the royal stable and Educator was sent off as the 11-10 favorite under jockey Tom Marquand for the Radcliffe & Co Handicap.

Okeechobee won by 4 ¼ lengths in the four-horse race.

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Thursday, Sep. 29, 2022

Educator and Tom Marquand after the Radcliffe & Co Handicap at Salisbury Racecourse, Thursday Sept. 29, 2022. The famous royal silks returned to British horse racing on Thursday, with the first runner under the ownership of King Charles III, Educator, finishing a distant second at Salisbury. (Andrew Matthews/PA via AP)

Royal silks back in British horse racing after queen’s death

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Royal silks back in British horse racing after queen’s death

The Associated Press 2 minute read Tuesday, Sep. 27, 2022

LONDON (AP) — The famous royal silks are returning to British horse racing for the first time since the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Taking to the track under the ownership of the queen's heir, King Charles III, Educator will don the purple, red and gold silks for a race at Salisbury on Thursday.

Educator will be the first horse in those colors since Improvise was beaten narrowly at Epsom on Sept. 8 — the same day the queen died at her Balmoral estate in Scotland.

Tom Marquand, who will ride Educator, said he will have mixed feelings.

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Tuesday, Sep. 27, 2022

LONDON (AP) — The famous royal silks are returning to British horse racing for the first time since the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Taking to the track under the ownership of the queen's heir, King Charles III, Educator will don the purple, red and gold silks for a race at Salisbury on Thursday.

Educator will be the first horse in those colors since Improvise was beaten narrowly at Epsom on Sept. 8 — the same day the queen died at her Balmoral estate in Scotland.

Tom Marquand, who will ride Educator, said he will have mixed feelings.

Thrill of victory beats a fistful of dollars

George Williams 4 minute read Preview

Thrill of victory beats a fistful of dollars

George Williams 4 minute read Friday, Sep. 23, 2022

With only three live racing days left in the 65th season at Assiniboia Downs, the trainer, jockey and owner races have already been decided, but there’s still one major stakes race for two-year-olds that nobody can predict, and two major mandatory jackpots that anyone could win.

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Friday, Sep. 23, 2022

Jerry Gourneau is in line to win his fourth training title in five years at Assiniboia Downs. Gourneau shown here with Warrior’s Map, owned by Henry S. Witt, Jr., who is set to win his sixth consecutive owner’s title. (George Williams / Winnipeg Free Press)

Assiniboia Downs’ top jockey could sweep final three open stakes races

George Williams 4 minute read Preview

Assiniboia Downs’ top jockey could sweep final three open stakes races

George Williams 4 minute read Friday, Sep. 16, 2022

Leading rider Jorge Carreno has a chance to sweep the final three open stakes of the live race meeting at Assiniboia Downs in the 93rd running of the $50,000 Winnipeg Futurity on Monday, and he’ll also have an extra day to increase his overall win total, which currently stands at 59.

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Friday, Sep. 16, 2022

GEORGE WILLIAMS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Leading jockey Jorge Carreno has a quiet moment with his Winnipeg Futurity mount Brandyn, who is conditioned by top North American trainer Robertino Diodoro. The 93rd running of the historic $50,000 race takes place Monday at Assiniboia Downs.

Hidden Grace and Melisandre make history running 1-2 in stakes race

George Williams 5 minute read Preview

Hidden Grace and Melisandre make history running 1-2 in stakes race

George Williams 5 minute read Friday, Sep. 9, 2022

History was made at Assiniboia Downs on Wednesday night when sisters Hidden Grace and Melisandre ran 1-2 in the $40,000 Distaff Stakes, and what a run it has been for multiple champion Hidden Grace.

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Friday, Sep. 9, 2022

Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Downs Photo

Hidden Grace (right) is ridden to victory by jockey Renaldo Cumberbatch in the Distaff Stakes Sept. 7, Assiniboia Downs. At left is Hidden Grace’s full sister, Melisandre.

It’s easy to love a horse with heart

George Williams 5 minute read Preview

It’s easy to love a horse with heart

George Williams 5 minute read Saturday, Sep. 3, 2022

A horse with heart is easy to fall in love with.

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Saturday, Sep. 3, 2022

George Williams / Winnipeg Free Press

Trainer Mike Nault smiles as grooms Charlotte (left) and Olive Johnston smooch Osiris Stakes winner Lady Cop.

Jackpots hit on and off the track

George Williams 5 minute read Preview

Jackpots hit on and off the track

George Williams 5 minute read Friday, Aug. 26, 2022

Jackpots were hit by more than one person over the past week at Assiniboia Downs, and not just at the betting windows.

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Friday, Aug. 26, 2022

George Williams Photo

Breeder Kelly Halliday (left), with sales topper Hip #15, wife Kim and her sister Emily Lesy.

Last chance to buy Going Commando yearling

George Williams 5 minute read Preview

Last chance to buy Going Commando yearling

George Williams 5 minute read Friday, Aug. 19, 2022

The last Going Commando yearling ever to be sold at public auction goes through the sales ring Sunday, and she’ll carry a piece of Charlie Fouillard with her for the rest of her life. She was bred and born at Fouillard’s farm in St. Lazare, Man., and spent her early days romping around the Fouillard fields with mom.

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Friday, Aug. 19, 2022

GEORGE WILLIAMS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

There have been a lot of fine horses born and bred at owner-breeder Charlie Fouillard’s farm near St. Lazare.

Preakness-winning trainer charged in domestic violence case

Maysoon Khan, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Preakness-winning trainer charged in domestic violence case

Maysoon Khan, The Associated Press 2 minute read Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — A prominent New York-based horse trainer whose Early Voting won this year's Preakness Stakes is facing a domestic violence charge for allegedly pushing a woman down a flight of stairs and trying to choke her, authorities said Thursday.

Chad Brown, 43, was arraigned Thursday morning in Saratoga Springs on a charge of obstruction of breathing, a misdemeanor.

Police received a complaint at around 11 p.m. Wednesday from a caller who said “they were in an altercation with Mr. Brown,” Saratoga Springs Police Sergeant Paul Veitch said. Brown was arrested and spent the night in a police holding area pending arraignment.

Assistant District Attorney Kayla Potter told the judge that Brown pushed the woman down the stairs, pinned her to the floor and tried to choke her before throwing her out of the house.

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Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022

FLE - Horse trainer Chad Brown talks to the media after a workout by Kentucky Derby entrant Zandon at Churchill Downs on May 3, 2022, in Louisville, Ky. Brown, a prominent New York-based horse trainer whose Early Voting won this year's Preakness Stakes, is facing a domestic violence charge for allegedly pushing a woman down a flight of stairs and trying to choke her, authorities said Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)

Five-year-old winner of Phil Kives Trial the epitome of class

George Williams 4 minute read Preview

Five-year-old winner of Phil Kives Trial the epitome of class

George Williams 4 minute read Friday, Aug. 12, 2022

Assiniboia Downs trainer Carl Anderson is a walking advertisement for the T-shirt slogan ‘Old Guys Rule.’

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Friday, Aug. 12, 2022

ETHAN CAIRNS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Trainer Carl Anderon with McKague. The Manitoba-bred horse has earned more than $100,000 in purses.

Enthusiasm carries the day

George Williams 5 minute read Preview

Enthusiasm carries the day

George Williams 5 minute read Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022

Telling leading Assiniboia Downs jockey Jorge Carreno he rode last Monday’s Manitoba Derby winner Red Knobs like a girl was probably not a good idea, but when that girl is one of the best jockeys in history…

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Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022

George Williams photo

Red Knobs and jockey Jorge Carreno power to the front in the 74th running of the Manitoba Derby on Monday.

Red Knobs runs to Derby glory

Joshua Frey-Sam 2 minute read Preview

Red Knobs runs to Derby glory

Joshua Frey-Sam 2 minute read Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022

Jorge Carreno said he could feel the power of his three-year-old thoroughbred as he white-knuckled its reins in the post.

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Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022

JASON HALSTEAD PHOTO

Jorge Carreno ran Red Knobs to capture the 74th running of the Manitoba Derby at the Assiniboia Downs on Monday evening.

74th running of Manitoba Derby tough to pick

George Williams 5 minute read Preview

74th running of Manitoba Derby tough to pick

George Williams 5 minute read Saturday, Jul. 30, 2022

Leading trainer Jerry Gourneau didn’t want his photo taken with Manitoba Derby favourite Prayforpeace on Friday morning, but not for the same superstitious reasons most trainers balk at it.

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Saturday, Jul. 30, 2022

GEORGE WILLLIAMS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Manitoba Derby morning-line favourite Prayforpeace shares a moment with groom Madison Turk.

Controversial race and ruling taint Assiniboia Downs

Mike McIntyre 6 minute read Preview

Controversial race and ruling taint Assiniboia Downs

Mike McIntyre 6 minute read Friday, Jul. 29, 2022

Something stinks at Assiniboia Downs. And it’s not coming from the barns where the stars of the show reside.

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Friday, Jul. 29, 2022

JASON HALSTEAD PHOTO

King Witt finish second to Mucho Express in the controversial fifth race July 20 at Assiniboia Downs.

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