The Ballad of Emma-Jayne Wilson and Belle Gully

When leading a horse from the paddock to the track, Emma-Jayne Wilson’s face is a picture of concentration. Few can match the intensity of the Bramalea-born jock. Belle Gully, an eight-year-old gelding of modest talents, recently benefitted from Wilson’s dogged determination when the jock tracked down her old friend in a $5K claiming race at Mountaineer.

Emma-Jayne Wilson with Belle Gully aka "Gus"



Wilson first partnered up with Belle Gully, aka Gus, at Woodbine back in 2005 when the horse was under the care of trainer Julia Carey. “Gus, he wasn't a Stakes horse by any means,” drawled Wilson. “He was just a character. He's a cool dude and I had a good connection with him. He was my buddy and I enjoyed hanging out with him.”

Unfortunately, Wilson learned in the spring of 2008 that Gus was not enjoying being a racehorse anymore.


“He was at Delaware Park running for bottoms there, which is five thousand,” explained Wilson. “I pulled up his races and watched a few. He ran a good race for five thousand finishing third in a decent start. Ten days after that they ran him back again and he ran no good. Ten days after that they ran him again and he ran last. Within four starts, ten days apart, it was like beaten thirty lengths, thirty lengths, and thirty lengths. That bothered me. You never want to see a horse running that low and not being competitive. So, that's when I got the idea of seeing what I could do to help retire him.”



In the spring of 2008, a friend of Wilson went to Delaware Park and stopped in to see the listed trainer of Belle Gully to inquire about retiring the animal. The friend was advised that Gus had been retired.

"From what I could tell he was retired and gone to a good home,” said Wilson. “Julia (Carey) and I talked about it, thought it was a good thing, and we left it alone."

After ten months of inactivity, Belle Gully’s name popped up on the Equibase watch list of a Woodbine groom well known locally as Big John. The groom, one of many with a soft spot for Gus, immediately alerted Wilson.

“I was so disappointed,” stated Wilson. “This time he was at Mountaineer and a lot of the trainers there will work off a farm and then ship in for a workout to make them eligible for racing. Who knows how long he had been training. He breezed half a mile and was entered in a race."

As expected, the race did not go well and Gus finished last.

"He ran two or three times until I was able to get him,” said Wilson. “I was on a mission, where before I was casually looking into it. But now I saw this horse back in training and I really wanted to get a hold of him. It was urgent for me."

Wilson blurs down the backstretch


Wilson got in touch with Bobby Pion, a Woodbine trainer who was in Virginia racing horses at Mountaineer. Pion attempted to buy Belle Gully from his new trainer but was turned down flat.

“She said she wasn't interested,” said Wilson incredulously. “That the horse was just unfit. After being beaten thirty lengths for five thousand dollars at Mountaineer and that he would win next time.”

Gus raced once more but never threatened finishing well back. It was the first time Belle Gully had beaten a horse in five races as one horse finished behind him.

“I wasn't worried about Belle Gully because I knew his personality and figured that was just Gus,” laughed Wilson. “He was just running a little bit and then pulling up cause he was smarter than the average bear.”

At Wilson’s urging, Pion was able to get in contact with Belle Gully’s owner and arranged to purchase Wilson’s fortunate friend.

“We got him for a price well more than he was truly worth as a racehorse, but to me it wasn’t a matter of how much money it was, it was a matter of getting a hold of him,” admitted Wilson. “Bobby (Pion) made a deal with the stewards and then he sold the horse to me.”

Wilson was quick to point out that she received the horse in good order.

“The people had taken good care of him. He had a good coat, good weight on him, his feet were taken care of and he looked happy still,” said Wilson. “I can understand why they thought he still wanted to be a racehorse. He's an active little dude, always on the march.

Emma-Jayne checking out the turf pedigree of D's Wando


The son of Maria’s Mon, out of Belle Dancer, retired with a record of 43-4-6-6 and earnings of $98,653 – nearly $40K more than he was originally purchased for as a yearling. Belle Gully now happily marches about the fields of his new home on Wilson’s farm, far from the rigors of the racetrack.

“I've thrown the tack on him a few times just to bebop around and go on a walkabout or a little trail ride,” laughed Wilson. “You know, just walking about eating grass. I have a funny feeling he'll find another job whether it's as a lead pony at Woodbine or maybe a trail horse. He just needs to be re-educated. For now, I'm just letting him be a horse up at the farm.”

Emma-Jayne Wilson and D's Wando hangin' out


For Wilson, the beat goes on and the successful journeywoman looks forward to making new equine friends.

“It's always good to be around good horses, and when I say good horses, I mean horses that try hard whether it’s claimers or million-dollar Stakes horses,’ clarified Wilson. “The million-dollar Stakes horses are nice to be around because they're true competitors with lots of ability and heart but there’s also those cheaper horses that may not have been blessed with as much ability but they have just as much heart. I just want to ride good horses be around good competitive animals and just keep trucking.”

*As published in the current edition of Down The Stretch newspaper

Photo Essay: Bridgetown and Bay to Bay Win Their Way In to the Breeders' Cup

Forgive me for looking ahead at the Woodbine Stakes schedule. It's just that after being treated to a weekend of turf royalty this past weekend, I cannot help but sneak a peak towards the contenders for the Pattison Canadian International.

Less than a month away on SATURDAY October 17th, Woodbine patrons will be treated to three Breeders' Cup Win & You're In races.

$500,000 NEARCTIC STAKES - Saturday, October 17 (Gr. 2, Turf) WAYI

$1,000,000 E.P. TAYLOR STAKES - Saturday, October 17 (Gr. 1, Turf)WAYI

$2,000,000 PATTISON CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL - Saturday, October 17 (Gr. 1, Turf) WAYI

Google Alerts have been filling up my email Inbox with a variety of potential contenders for the Grade One turf event that always draws a talented group of horses from across the world. Below you'll find a few links to stories of some of the horses likely to be at Woodbine next month.

Jukebox Jury could be on his way to the Canadian International according to Sep. 20 Racing Post article.

Trainer Mark Casse states Marchfield to run in Canadian International according to Sep. 22nd Bill Tallon article.

Buccellati pointed at Canadian International states Sep. 19 UKPA story.

Jambalaya, who won the 2007 Arlington Million last out, made a victorious return to racing at Woodbine on Fri. Sep 18th.

Racing Post reported on Sep. 16th that Ask will be asked to skip the Arc de Triomphe and win the Canadian International.

Sep. 9 Irish Times article reports Casual Conquest MIGHT be headed to Canadian International.

Locals Musketier and Spice Route also pointed to the Canadian International by trainer Roger Attfield.

No doubt even more contenders will be discussed over the coming weeks. I'll do my best to keep you posted - not only for the International, but also for the Nearctic and the E.P Taylor Stakes.

* * *

While Ventura, Just as Well, Princess Haya, Bridgetown and Bay to Bay were the big winners this weekend, I did snap quite a few photos of other talented individuals as well.

Michelle Rainford guided Scott Fairlie's Put Upon to a neat win on the undercard


Saratoga maiden breaker Gitchee Goomie makes her way to the paddock for the Natalama Stakes


Biofuel stares down the camera


Julien Leparoux strolls through the garden to Gitchee Goomie


Rafael Bejerano gets some last minute instructions about shipper Elusive Galaxy


Elusive Galaxy gets some last minute instructions about shipper Rafael Bejerano


Trainer Brian Lynch advises David Clark to lean in during the stretch run


Jono Jones guides Redverse to the track


Everyone is smiling in this photo as Luis Contreras prepares Jungle Tale for battle


Bejerano and Elusive Galaxy parade for the Woodbine patrons


A victorious Bay to Bay bathes by the by


Benestar looked gorgeous in the walking ring ahead of the Summer Stakes


Bridgetown believes he's even more beautiful than Benestar


Assistant trainer Skip Bowen takes Stormy Lord for a walk


Fantastico Roberto gets low to the ground like a middle linebacker preparing to tackle some tough two-year-olds


So fanstico let's take another look!


Do not adjust your sets. Yes, that's Todd Kabel in the tartan silks of Eastland Partners 2008.


Jimmy Mac aboard the super fast Korvette Kid



Jockey Ariel Smith makes a rare Woodbine appearance aboard Yesnabay


Chris DeCarlo was in town to ride Fantastico Roberto. If you squint, you can just make out Becky's Kitten sticking her tongue out at her competitor. Talk about gamesmanship.


Julien Leparoux sitting tall aboard the cheeky Becky's Kitten


A fantastic ride by Rob Landry as Bridgetown wins the Summer Stakes. Becky's Kitten sneaks in along the rail...


The lovely Elissa Blowe gets the details from Landry


Bridgetown shows off his snazzy new blanket


It was a tremendous Win and You're In weekend at Woodbine. Absolutely incredible to see so many current and future stars of racing grace the backstretch dazzling us with their morning gallops.

Thanks for the memories Ventura. Good luck in the Filly and Mare Sprint

Catch her if you can...Ventura out for a gallop on a gloomy morning


* * *

This Sunday Woodbine will see the return of Queen's Plate winner Eye of the Leopard in the Ontario Derby


More on the Ontario Derby and other Woodbine news later this week.

Photo Essay: Ventura Victorious in the Woodbine Mile

Sunday was a fantastic day for racing at Woodbine. There were three first-class turf events including the Canadian Stakes, Northern Dancer Stakes and the million-dollar Woodbine mile.

A successful soccer commitment prevented me from attending the G2 Canadian Stakes live, but I can report that Princess Haya won a dramatic race in a photo finish defeating the highly regarded Forever Together.

Watch the video of the Canadian Stakes


I arrived on track in time for the Northern Dancer Stakes and immediately went to work with the camera. What follows is a photo essay of the latter two Stakes events of the day including a mini write-up and some interesting words from jockey Garrett Gomez.

(As always, you can enlarge the image by double-left clicking on the image. To return to the blog, click on your "Back" button.)

It was hot and sunny this day and there was barely a cloud in the sky which made good weather for photographers. With Musketier scratched, nine excellent horses paraded about the paddock for what would be a torrid event.

A curious Quijano sneaks a peak


Chantal finds a shady spot to wait for Solitaire


The handsome Cobotown Ron


Just As Well looking well ready to race


Marsh Side makes his way around the walking ring


Champs Elysees prepares in the paddock


Medjool pokes a little fun at the guy with the camera


Marlang struts his stuff


A focused Javier Castellano will not be happy with the results


Garrett Gomez and Champs Elysees who appears to be checking out the tote board


Julien Leparoux and Just As Well on their way to the gate


Patrick Husbands sits tall aboard Marchfield


And they're off in the Northern Dancer!


Watch the video of the Northern Dancer Stakes


Marsh Side hits the wire first, but it won't last. Check out Champs Elysees being checked in traffic.


TVG was on-track trying to sort out the inquiry drama


After fifteen minutes of deliberation, Marsh Side was tossed back to fourth and Just as Well won the floral blanket. Quijano and Champs Elysees picked up the pieces. Gomez would later say he felt he would have won were he not impeded. Being blocked on the inside may have something to do with a judgment call Gomez makes later in the card.



Just as Well found the whole inquiry debate to be very amusing


Ten horses were on hand to try their luck in the million-dollar Woodbine Mile. Defending champion Rahy's Attorney would be taking on last year's second place finisher Ventura as well as a solid group of shippers including Ferneley, Bribon and Daylight Express.

The amateur photographer proves his own status by working his own shadow into this shot of Ferneley. Ooops.


The speedy Field Commission had a late jockey switch from Leparoux to Rob Landry due to a paperwork issue.


Daylight Express passes in front of the paddock which is guarded by the statue of jockey Avelino Gomez


Ex-claimer Jungle Wave would try to stake his claim to fame


A tartan-clad Rafael MacBejerano


From Barbados to Woodbine - Andy Ward


The famous white face of Ventura


No tongue strap required for Sand Cove


Husbands, cool as can be, aboard Sterwins


Alan Garcia in town to ride G1 winner Bribon


Daylight Express and Andy Ward on post parade


Defending champions Rahy's Attorney and Slade Callaghan


A worked up Ventura gets excited over the announcement on the Woodbine tote board


Watch the video of the Woodbine Mile


Out of the gate it was a frenetic pace as Grand Adventure led the field to a half in 46 flat. Rahy's Attorney loomed on Grand Adventure's flank with Jungle Wave pressuring just to his outside. Three quarters arrived in a fast 1:09 which would prove to be far too much for Grand Adventure and Rahy's Attorney on this day. Turning into the stretch, the field bunched up with the exception of the patient Gomez aboard Ventura who was waiting for his moment. The moment arrived half-way through the stretch as track announcer Dan Loiselle bellowed, "Ventura, like a bullet from a gun, sweeps to the lead." Ventura passed Ferneley with ease though that one held on for second. Sterwins arrived a late-charging third for Patrick Husbands while the brave Jungle Wave survived the early pace to finish fourth.

Up in the press box following the race, Gomez elaborated on Ventura's great win.

With regard to the late charge from the back...

GG: She'll pull a prank every now and then when I make a move too early and it's probably cost her nearly a million dollars in purses.

Making the decision to rally on the outside...

GG: My thing was just to not make the lead so early and ride her the way I normally would. When I wheeled out, the horse from Barbados (Daylight Express) was stopping and I was inside of him turning for home. The only real decision I had to make with her was to go inside that horse or go around that horse.

(Gomez made the decision to go outside, avoided any potential traffic, and had plenty of horse for the win.)

Upon being asked about the incident in the Northern Dancer and how he felt about his chances with Champs Elysees...

GG: I was going to win. He's the kind of horse that the more you ask, the more he gives. Even when we got to the wire, he was coming again and I still hadn't asked him yet.

Less than ten lengths cover the field just yards from the wire


A streaking Ventura legs it out to defeat Ferneley


The next group of horses hit the wire together in a pack


The assembled media clamor over marvelous mare Ventura


Garrett Gomez is proud of his speedy mare who despite capturing a Win & You're In event on the grass will instead try to defend her crown in the Filly & Mare Sprint



It was yet another fantastic day of racing on the best turf course in North America. If anyone has requests for photos from the weekend, including Saturday's card, please feel free to leave a comment or email me directly.