Posts
Archived below are Photo Essays from racetrack adventures at Woodbine, Fort Erie, Mohawk, Churchill Downs, Belmont Park, Aqueduct and Saratoga to name a few. As well, there are series of photos dedicated to mornings on the backstretch and visits to farms across Ontario.
In time, I will be linking to a Flickr or Picasa web-based gallery. For now, please enjoy the Photo Essay archives.
Photo Essay: Fantasia and Grand Style Fly Home First At Windy Woodbine - November 2, 2010 What follows is a photo essay of a blustery Saturday afternoon at Woodbine which included wins by Anna Napravnik and Fantasia in the River Memories and yet another stakes win for Eurico Rosa da Silva, this time aboard Grand Style in the Princess Elizabeth.
Photo Essay: Joshua Tree A Hit At Woodbine's Canadian International - October 19, 2010
Saturday's International card at Woodbine offered a little something for everyone. A chance to meet the jockeys; have a special Secretariat book signed by Kate Chenery Tweedy; and most importantly, watch three special Breeders' Cup Win & You're In races on the infamous E.P. Taylor turf course.
Photo Essay: My Wee Trip to Norn Iron - October 12, 2010
A photo jounral of my vacation to England, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland - including a visit to Dundalk Racetrack and an impromptu race along the scenic Antrim coast.
Photo Essay: Some Squirrely Moments at Sunday's Woodbine Mile and Much More... - September 22, 2010
On Sunday, I enjoyed an incredible day of racing at Woodbine topped by Court Vision's spectacular return in the Woodbine Mile. Other big winners on Sunday included Redwood in the Northern Dancer and Miss Keller in the Canadian.
Photo Essay: Gierkink Picks Four as Smokey Fire Sizzles in Woodbine's Play The King - September 2, 2010
The daily grind of selecting winning racehorses for a living is a thankless task. Pick a favourite and the public rolls their eyes. Tip a longshot that loses and it's viewed as desperation. Get a few races right and chances are no one notices. Well, on Sunday August 29th, a pretty special handicapping moment occurred when the Daily Racing Form's Ron Gierkink nailed Woodbine's late pick four which paid $3,467.65 for a buck.
Photo Essay: Blind Luck, The Ladykiller and Dirty Pictures from Saratoga - August 26, 2010
Little did I expect that on this year's trip to Saratoga, I would fall for another young filly who maybe hasn't dominated her division but has found the gumption to win at multiple tracks, over multiple surfaces, while racing at a variety of distances. Yes, Blind Luck - the late rallying winner of the Alabama Stakes - earned my respect on Saturday with a phenomenal performance closing on slow fractions that would have provided an excuse for lesser horses.
Photo Essay: Saturday Morning Workouts at Saratoga - August 24, 2010
I'm back from a whirlwind weekend at Saratoga and what a weekend it was! Blind Luck put in a devastating performance on Saturday to win the Alabama Stakes, jockey John Velazquez swept the early pick four en route to a five-win day and, of course, there were drinks after at Siro's.
Photo Essay: Breeders' Stakes Selections; Backstretch Buzz and Rahy's Attorney Wins the With Approval Stakes - August 15, 2010
Today's entry is a bit of a muck's up, catch all, empty the fridge picture-filled post. I've got coverage of Rahy's Attorney winning the With Approval Stakes; photos of Kara's Orientation who is on his way to the Canadian Derby; and a sneak peak at the Breeders' Stakes. Along the way we tour the backstretch and let's just get on with it starting with the third leg of the Triple Crown.
Photo Essay: Wando and Mobil Reunited at Schonberg Farm - August 10, 2010
The improving Ontario Sire Stakes program received a notable boost this summer when 2003 Canadian Triple Crown winner Wando returned home to Schonberg Farm in Schomberg, Ontario for owner/breeder Gustav Schickedanz after previously standing stud at Lane’s End in Kentucky.
Photo Essay: Joe Talamo Zips To Victory in Woodbine's Royal North - August 3, 2010
The long weekend at Woodbine played out to a cool finish by Unzip Me in the Royal North Stakes on civic holiday Monday. With regular rider Joe Talamo at Woodbine for the mount, the money piled onto the speedy four year-old daughter of City Zip who went to post as the 4-5 favourite.
Photo Essay: Prince of Wales Preview; Saturday Stakes Review; and A Walk Down Shed Row! - July 24, 2010
I spent a very long day at Woodbine on Saturday as I conducted interviews for a piece I'm writing for Down The Stretch. What follows are photos of my trip to the backstretch and subsequent afternoon at Woodbine to watch the Toronto Cup and the Nijinsky Stakes
Photo Essay: Woodbine Weekend Wrapup - July 18, 2010
Expectations of a track record breaking performance from either Hollywood Hit or Fatal Bullet in Saturday's Bold Venture Stakes were spoiled by a strong headwind and a superb ride by jockey Emma-Jayne Wilson on Smokey Fire.
Photo Essay: Fatal Bullet v Hollywood Hit at Woodbine 3:31PM Post! - July 17, 2010
Toronto is hosting the Honda Indy this weekend but those with a need for speed would do much better to travel up the 427 to Woodbine and watch Hollywood Hit and Fatal Bullet do battle in Saturday's Bold Venture Stakes. The four horse field will speed six and a half furlongs on the red hot Woodbine polytrack in an effort to both win the race and also eclipse Fatal Bullet's track record of 1:14.54. With all due respect to entrants Major Marvel and Smokey Fire, all eyes will be on Fatal Bullet and the lightning fast Hollywood Hit in this event.
Photo Essay: Big Red Mike's Royal Romp to the Queen's Plate - July 10, 2010
An exciting Woodbine card featured three stakes events with the Highlander, Singspiel and Queen's Plate in front of a capacity crowd of 35,000 fans.
Photos, News and Notes From The Annual Queen's Plate BBQ - June 28, 2010
The annual Queen's Plate BBQ was held on Monday afternoon in the walking ring at beautiful Woodbine Racetrack. The event provides an opportunity for the connections of the Plate entrants to meet and greet as well as a chance for local media to snap photos of the horses and interview the people who train them.
Photo Essay: Exhi and Grand Adventure Continue Their Woodbine Success - June 27, 2010
With the Queen's Plate a week away it would be easy to overlook Sunday's card at Woodbine which featured the Victoria Park and King Edward Stakes. However, I suspect that we'll look back on this day a little down the road and take note of the continued emergence of Todd Pletcher's Exhi and Mark Frostad's Grand Adventure.
Photo Essay: Handicapping the King Edward and A Wet Woodbine Backstretch - June 26, 2010 I caught up with trainer Tom Bush on the backstretch who graciously shared a few words regarding the four year-old Get Stormy currently riding a five race win streak that includes two graded efforts - all on the turf.
Photo Essay: Big Red Mike and Roan Inish star on Woodbine Oaks Day - June 15, 2010
It was a day for Roan Inish to shine taking on Moment of Majesty and Resentless in the Woodbine Oaks...but it was also the day that Big Red Mike emerged as a legitimate Queen's Plate contender.
Photo Essay: A Grand Adventure at the Connaught Cup - May 31, 2010
After a great afternoon of racing in front of a busy Woodbine grandstand the stage was set for the G3 Connaught Cup featuring the classy G1 winning Rahy's Attorney, G2 winning Field Commission and Jungle Wave and G3 winning Grand Adventure. The Connaught would be run at a distance of seven furlongs which made for an interesting pace scenario and virtually guaranteed a close finish.
Photo Essay: Biofuel Blasts To Victory in the La Lorgnette - May 24, 2010
The sun shined, the birds sang and the people came out to Woodbine to wager on the ponies on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon. The marquee race honoured Queen's Plate winning filly La Lorgnette, the massive 17 hands tall filly guided to the guineas by David Clark in 1985, and the race lived up to the classy mare's standard as Biofuel swooped home with authority.
Photo Essay: Shades of Grey - May 17, 2010
I spent a grey morning on the Woodbine backstretch shooting photos of nothing but grey horses...
Photo Essay: Careless Jewel's a Gem and Woodbine's Woodstock Stakes - April 26, 2010
The Woodstock Stakes was tough sledding for a variety of horses shipped in from out of town. Wildcat Frankie, the 2-1 favourite, trained by Woodbine newcomer James Hatchett finished last in the field of seven. Kiaran McLaughlin's Fearless Cowboy (with Alan Garcia aboard) finished fifth and George Weaver's City Trooper finished sixth.
Essence Hit Man, an Ontario-bred by Speightstown, has raced exclusively at Woodbine and was absolutely unstoppable on this day leading at every call to cover six furlongs in 1:08.66, just a fraction off the track record of 1.08.31 set by Legal Move on July 2, 2008.
Photo Essay: Graded Winners, Sunshine and Friendly Faces on the Woodbine Backstretch - April 23, 2010
In my travels on this glorious morning I caught up with a few nice people and several nice horses including Field Commission, a G2 Winner of the Nearctic Stakes and 2009 Champion Male Sprinter in Canada; and Tasty Temptation - the gutsy filly who finished second in the Oaks, took on the boys in the Queen's Plate and later in the fall won Woodbine's Wonder Where Stakes.
Searching the backstretch for a Queen's Plate horse April 13, 2010
On Sunday April 11th, I spent a full day at Woodbine Racetrack in search of a few winners. In the morning, I beat a path across the backstretch sourcing out contenders for the 2010 Queen's Plate. During my travels I caught up with D's Wando, Essence Hit Man, Joey's Best and interviewed trainer Bob Tiller regarding his top three year-old colt Race for Gold.
In the afternoon, I headed over to the front side and watched Queen's Plate contenders Big Red Mike and Roman Games in their first race of 2010. As well, there was an exhilarating speed duel shaping up in the Jacques Cartier Stakes between Hollywood Hit, El Brujo and Field Commission.
Great Friday! Grazettes Landing Wins the Woodbine Debut Stakes April 3, 2010
Thoroughbred racing returned to Woodbine on Good Friday and racing fans flocked to the Rexdale track to bask in the sunshine and welcome the horses home.
Woodbine's jockeys, dressed in full silks, stood at the main entrance and handed out vouchers valued anywhere from $2 to $1000 as they welcomed the public to the park.
With the weather cooperating and a competitive Debut Stakes event on offer, it made for an exciting day of racing.
Welcome Back Woodbine March 31, 2010
The first day of spring arrived on March 20th. It is a time for renewal as nature begins to replenish and bloom. For those who make their living at the racetrack, it’s a chance for a fresh start.
The hard working folks on the backstretch have been preparing on the dirt training track since the middle of February. The main track opened for business on March 17th and I hit the backstretch last week to catch up with the local talent.
Windfields Farm: End of An Era March 9, 2010
What follows are photos taken on Saturday morning as thousands of racing fans came to pay their respects at an auction dispersing all of Windfields property. Soon, the land will be destroyed and turned into a housing subdivision - the graveyard, where Northern Dancer is buried, and the main barn will remain as part of a commemorative park.
Woodbine Winter Wonderland March 3, 2010
On Sunday morning I woke up early and took my camera to the Woodbine backstretch. The weather was nice enough for March and the snow flurries added a Canadian touch to the resulting photos.
Trips through the barns of Steve Attard, Sid Attard and Ian Black as well as visits to the dirt training track and the sand ring provided plenty of photo ops. Enjoy!
A G1 Afternoon At Gardiner Farms with Milwaukee Brew and Alphabet Soup February 26, 2010
In January I paid a visit to Gardiner Farms to interview Dr. Michael Colterjohn, DVM for a Down The Stretch piece regarding the latest batch of Adena Spring stallions to arrive in Ontario.
In 2009, Gardiner Farms provided an Ontario home for Adena Springs stallions Sligo Bay and Silent Name as they entered the Ontario Sires Stakes stallions program for the first time. In 2010, Gardiner has welcomed four more Adena stallions including Milwaukee Brew, Alphabet Soup, Olmodavor and Giant Gizmo.
Award Tour February 1, 2010
It was an award tour in Ontario-land goin' each and every place with the camera in hand...and what follows are photos of just some of the people who helped make the O'Brien Awards a fun evening.
With photos of all the winners...
Champs Elysess Crowned The Champ January 30, 2010
On Friday evening the thoroughbred industry gathered at Ultra Supper Club in downtown Toronto for the 35th annual Sovereign Awards honouring outstanding achievement in Canadian Thoroughbred racing and breeding for 2009.
Though the city was experiencing a deep freeze, all was cozy inside the comfy confines of Ultra. The event would prove to be an outstanding evening for Eugene Melnyk.
With photos of all the winners...
Photo Essay: Ontario Sires Stakes Super Final Championships November 15, 2009
Eight divisions of Ontario's finest standardbreds lined up to contest the OSS Super Final Championships.
A Morning on the Woodbine backstretch is Almost As Good As A 2-0 Liverpool Win October 25, 2009
With the calendar nearing the end of October there are precious few days left in the 2009 meet to enjoy the sights and sounds of the backstretch. This backstretch visit was simply a case of enjoying what you have before it's gone.
Photo Essay: International Day at Woodbine As Champs Elysees Goes Out On Top October 18, 2009
International Day arrived on a beautiful Saturday afternoon at Woodbine. Though it was cool in the shade of the back paddock, all was warm and fuzzy on the sunny side of the track. Several European shippers were in attendance to try their luck in the E.P. Taylor and Pattison Canadian International
Photo Essay: Careless Jewel - Woodbine's Gem Prepares For The Ladies Classic October 13, 2009
It's been a good year for the ladies of racing. California starlet Zenyatta remains undefeated. Rachel Alexandra ran rampant all summer long capped by an historic win over older males in the Woodward. At Woodbine, the buzz has been all about the young diamond in the rough that is Careless Jewel.
Photo Essay: Bridgetown and Bay to Bay Win Their Way In to the Breeders' Cup September 23, 2009
A Win and You're In Weekend at Woodbine with photos of Summer Stakes winner and the invigorating Ventura in training.
Photo Essay: Ventura Victorious in the Woodbine Mile September 22, 2009
Extensive coverage of three first-class turf events including the Canadian Stakes, Northern Dancer Stakes and the million-dollar Woodbine Mile.
Photo Essay: Old Friends of the Saratoga Turf September 11, 2009
Hanging out with Michael Blowen and his esteemed group of equine Old Friends including Awad, Kiri's Clown and Clever Allemont.
Photo Essay: Rachel Alexandra Romps At Saratoga September 7, 2009
Colourful coverage of Rachel Alexandra's historic victory in the Woodward Stakes. Photographs of not only the fantastic filly but also the fans and people of Saratoga. Sunshine soaked morning workouts and packed grandstands galore are all a part of the Saratoga experience.
All Eyes On The Leopard August 29, 2009
A cloudy and grey Woodbine morning as dozens of horses were put through their paces. All eyes were on Queen's Plate winner Eye of the Leopard who breezed five furlongs in 1:03.60 for jockey Eurico Rosa Da Silva.
Photo Essay: Sunrise on the Woodbine Backstretch August 25, 2009
Like any community, it takes all types of people to make it work. This photo essay is a look into the colours and colourful people (and horses) of the backstretch.
Photo Essay: NHL Goalkeeper Curtis Joseph Saves The Best For Last in Woodbine Weekend August 17, 2009
NHL goalkeeping legend Curtis Joseph makes an appearance at Woodbine to watch his horse Awesome Action eke out a stirring victory.
Photo Essay: Let It Rain! July 28, 2009
It was a stormy summer weekend in Toronto which made life difficult for handicappers trying to forecast three big WEG races: The Wonder Where, third leg of the Triple Tiara, held on Saturday at Woodbine; the $720,000 Maple Leaf Trot held at Mohawk on Saturday night; and the GII Nijinsky held on Sunday at Woodbine.
Photo Essay: Ladies Night At Woodbine July 23, 2009
An unofficial ladies night at Woodbine as an appreciative evening crowd was treated to two excellent races for fillies and mares including the Passing Mood Stakes won by Double Malt and a $72K Allowance sprint won by Edamame.
Photo Essay: Photo Finish Decides Thrilling Prince of Wales Stakes July 13, 2009 (Part 1 of 2)
Gallant won the Prince of Wales Stakes at Fort Erie Racetrack on Sunday, beating the impressive filly Milwaukee Appeal, after an agonizing ten-minute wait for a photo finish review. The crowd erupted in support of a local hero,jockey Corey Fraser,as the tote board posted the results. Fraser grew up just minutes from Fort Erie Racetrack in nearby Niagara Falls.
Photo Essay: Prince of Wales Festivities July 13, 2009 (Part 2 of 2)
A walk through beautiful Fort Erie racetrack on Prince of Wales day and coverage of the undercard races.
Photo Essay: Eye of the Leopard Wins The Queen's Plate June 22, 2009
It is fitting that the historic 150th running of the Queen's Plate would be won by a stable steeped in Woodbine tradition. In front of a capacity crowd, Eurico Rosa Da Silva guided Sam-Son Farms' Eye of the Leopard to a thrilling Queen's Plate victory over Mr. Foricos Two U and Milwaukee Appeal
Photo Essay: Stephen Foster Day at Churchill Downs June 16, 2009
My first ever trip to the cathedral of horse racing that is Churchill Downs. On a sunny Saturday I enjoyed photographing the Stephen Foster Handicap which was won by Macho Again in a huge upset over the favoured Einstein.
Photo Essay: Elliott, Garcia, Talamo and Coa invade Toronto for the 2009 Woodbine Oaks
June 8, 2009
Four U.S based jockeys arrived at Woodbine on Sunday to compete in the $500,000 Woodbine Oaks. Stewart Elliott would combine with trainer Scott Fairlie for two wins on the afternoon, most importantly piloting the sensational Milwaukee Appeal to a commanding 3 3/4 length victory in the Oaks. It is the second year in a row that a horse sired by Milwaukee Brew would win the Oaks which was won in 2008 by Frank Stronach's Ginger Brew. Other U.S based jockeys competing on Sunday included Alan Garcia, Joe Talamo and Eibar Coa.
A Day in the Park at Belmont May 23, 2009
My first trip to Belmont. The feature race was the 34th running of the Shuvee and it featured a standout winner by the name of Seattle Smooth though the trip was rough to say the least. Jockey Ramon Dominguez needed every last inch of the stretch to nail 20-1 long shot Color Me Up at the wire.
Photo Essay: All Hail The Woodbine Workouts! May 17, 2009
While on the backstretch I took several photos and video of other horses going about their training to share in the blog. As you'll see in one of the videos, the weather took quite a turn when hail pelted the backstretch!
Photo Essay: A Fun Friday Night At Mohawk Racetrack May 11, 2009
A sneak peak into the Mohawk backstretch where pacers and trotters geared up for action.
Photo Essay: Weekend Wrapup and Queen's Plate Contenders May 4, 2009
Early in the 2009 campaign, sprinter El Brujo confirmed his Plate contender status with a win in the Queenston Stakes. Though El Brujo wasn't cut out for distances, the Candy Ride kid has been a monster sprinter.
Photo Essay: Visiting OSAS Horses at High Stakes Farm April 27, 2009
A visit to Joanne Colville's High Stakes Farm to meet up with a few Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society horses and snap some photos of TROT magazine cover boy Not A Prude.
Photo Essay: Woodbine Opening Day 2009 April 5, 2009
Opening day for thoroughbreds at Woodbine brought cold temperatures and strong winds, but not harsh enough to deter the brave Canadian racing fans from the track.
Photo Essay: Woodbine Workouts March 22, 2009
Frost on the polytrack as the horses go through their morning training in preparation for opening day of the Woodbine thoroughbred meet.
Photo Essay: Sunrise On The Training Track March 7, 2009
Up at dawn to visit the Woodbine training track and take photos on a beautiful - but frigid - March day. Check out the exercise riders in their winter gear and a group of cats who decided to start their own post parade.
Photo Essay: O'Brien Awards And A Day At The Track With Dick Duff February 2, 2009
Somebeachsomewhere dominates the 2008 O'Brien Awards and Triple Dead Heat was at the event to photograph the happy connections. A day later, Triple Dead Heat catches up with hockey legend Dick Duff for an afternoon at Woodbine. Tough life!
Sweet Sovereign! Photos and Notes From Canada's Horse Racing Gala December 13, 2008
The 34th Annual Sovereign Awards held at the oh-so-swank Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto. The star-studded event was a black tie affair and Patrick Husbands, Jim McAleney and Eurico Rosa Da Silva shunned their usual silks for tuxedos. I was in attendance to support Down The Stretch editor Peter Gross who took home a Sovereign for Feature Story.
Pics From Aqueduct and "Randycapping" Wednesday Night Woodbine November 26, 2008
Photos from a chilly adventure to the immense Aqueduct facility...brrrr.
World Class Woodbine - Photo Essay October 4, 2008
The stars of Woodbine put on quite a show Saturday afternoon for a high profile ESPN Win and You're In extravaganza featuring four turf races and some of the top athletes in thoroughbred racing. Grand Adventure, Folk Opera and even Champs Elysees feature here.
Four U.S based jockeys arrived at Woodbine on Sunday to compete in the $500,000 Woodbine Oaks. Stewart Elliott would combine with trainer Scott Fairlie for two wins on the afternoon, most importantly piloting the sensational Milwaukee Appeal to a commanding 3 3/4 length victory in the Oaks. It is the second year in a row that a horse sired by Milwaukee Brew would win the Oaks which was won in 2008 by Frank Stronach's Ginger Brew. Other U.S based jockeys competing on Sunday included Alan Garcia, Joe Talamo and Eibar Coa.
A Day in the Park at Belmont May 23, 2009
My first trip to Belmont. The feature race was the 34th running of the Shuvee and it featured a standout winner by the name of Seattle Smooth though the trip was rough to say the least. Jockey Ramon Dominguez needed every last inch of the stretch to nail 20-1 long shot Color Me Up at the wire.
Photo Essay: All Hail The Woodbine Workouts! May 17, 2009
While on the backstretch I took several photos and video of other horses going about their training to share in the blog. As you'll see in one of the videos, the weather took quite a turn when hail pelted the backstretch!
Photo Essay: A Fun Friday Night At Mohawk Racetrack May 11, 2009
A sneak peak into the Mohawk backstretch where pacers and trotters geared up for action.
Photo Essay: Weekend Wrapup and Queen's Plate Contenders May 4, 2009
Early in the 2009 campaign, sprinter El Brujo confirmed his Plate contender status with a win in the Queenston Stakes. Though El Brujo wasn't cut out for distances, the Candy Ride kid has been a monster sprinter.
Photo Essay: Visiting OSAS Horses at High Stakes Farm April 27, 2009
A visit to Joanne Colville's High Stakes Farm to meet up with a few Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society horses and snap some photos of TROT magazine cover boy Not A Prude.
Photo Essay: Woodbine Opening Day 2009 April 5, 2009
Opening day for thoroughbreds at Woodbine brought cold temperatures and strong winds, but not harsh enough to deter the brave Canadian racing fans from the track.
Photo Essay: Woodbine Workouts March 22, 2009
Frost on the polytrack as the horses go through their morning training in preparation for opening day of the Woodbine thoroughbred meet.
Photo Essay: Sunrise On The Training Track March 7, 2009
Up at dawn to visit the Woodbine training track and take photos on a beautiful - but frigid - March day. Check out the exercise riders in their winter gear and a group of cats who decided to start their own post parade.
Photo Essay: O'Brien Awards And A Day At The Track With Dick Duff February 2, 2009
Somebeachsomewhere dominates the 2008 O'Brien Awards and Triple Dead Heat was at the event to photograph the happy connections. A day later, Triple Dead Heat catches up with hockey legend Dick Duff for an afternoon at Woodbine. Tough life!
Sweet Sovereign! Photos and Notes From Canada's Horse Racing Gala December 13, 2008
The 34th Annual Sovereign Awards held at the oh-so-swank Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto. The star-studded event was a black tie affair and Patrick Husbands, Jim McAleney and Eurico Rosa Da Silva shunned their usual silks for tuxedos. I was in attendance to support Down The Stretch editor Peter Gross who took home a Sovereign for Feature Story.
Pics From Aqueduct and "Randycapping" Wednesday Night Woodbine November 26, 2008
Photos from a chilly adventure to the immense Aqueduct facility...brrrr.
World Class Woodbine - Photo Essay October 4, 2008
The stars of Woodbine put on quite a show Saturday afternoon for a high profile ESPN Win and You're In extravaganza featuring four turf races and some of the top athletes in thoroughbred racing. Grand Adventure, Folk Opera and even Champs Elysees feature here.
