Around the track
At 0h03, on June 25, 2021 • By NEWSROOM
Quebec owned Darby Ogill won in 1:56.2
Two-year-old fillies continued preparing for their soon-to-begin racing careers during Thursday morning’s (June 24) qualifying session at Woodbine Mohawk Park, with 11 of the 14 races dedicated to the younger set. Darby Ogill unleashed :27.3 closing speed to win her qualifier, calling every shot on the point through splits of :29, :59.2 and 1:28.4 in line to Sylvain Filion before keeping pocket rival Silent Crossing (Jody Jamieson) 1-3/4 lengths at bay at the end of a 1:56.2 mile. Jacques Dupont trains the daughter of Sunshine Beach and Blackjack Princess for Québécois owners Les Ecuries Dorleans Inc., Gestion C. Levesque 2005 Inc. and Ecurie CSL.
Murray Waples passed
Trot Insider has learned that longtime harness racing industry participant Murray Waples of Elmvale, Ont. passed away on June 15, 2021 at the age of 93. Murray, Keith’s brother, enjoyed a long and successful career with multiple awards as a leading driver at race meets on both sides of the border while being recognized as a top catch driver and solid all-around horseman.
Manitoba Set To Open Season
Harness racing returns to Manitoba this Saturday (June 26), as the province’s annual fair circuit consisting of a 10-week stand in Miami, an 80-minute drive southwest from Winnipeg, commences. The Manitoba season begins with 51 horses drawn for a nine-race card over the Miami half-mile track, led by a $2,450 Open slotted as the third race.
Plano Records 4,000th Training Win
Rick Plano reached another milestone in his illustrious career as he recorded his 4,000th career training victory at Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Wednesday (June 23). Needing just one victory to secure win No. 4,000 heading into the evening’s 12-race card, Plano piloted debuting three-year-old Empressive Hill to victory in the ninth race on the card.
Walter Case Jr listed to drive at Cumberland Saturday
Unable to get licensed due to past on- and off-track incidents, Walter Case Jr, who sits 10th on the all-time wins list with 11,049 despite fewer than 100 drives over the last 18 years, is listed to drive two horses on Saturday at Cumberland Raceway. Case last drove on November 12, 2017 at the now closed Scarborough Downs and competed in 53 races that year. Previously he drove 25 times in 2008 and got 730 mounts in 2003, the last year he came close to a full workload.
Letruska won’t be easily knocked off her perch in Fleur de Lis
Churchill Downs has been a central hub this year for the best fillies and mares on the continent, with Monomoy Girl, Swiss Skydiver, Shedaresthedevil, and Envoutante all training here at various times this spring. Now comes an invader intent on overshadowing them all. Letruska, the clear-cut division leader following back-to-back wins in the Grade 1 Apple Blossom and Grade 1 Ogden Phipps, will make her first-ever visit to Churchill when she faces five others Saturday in the Grade 2, $300,000 Fleur de Lis.
Heat prompts Emerald Downs, Hastings to cancel cards
Due to record heat expected in the Pacific Northwest, Emerald Downs in Auburn, Wash., and Hastings, across the border in Vancouver, British Columbia, have called off upcoming racing days. Emerald has canceled Sunday with Hastings scrapping Monday. Beginning Saturday, temperatures are expected to soar above 100 degrees for three consecutive days.
