The images are some of the most famous in Canadian racing history: the great Secretariat charging through the rain, cold, and dark at Woodbine on his way to winning the 1973 Canadian International (G1) in his final career race.
The 84th International goes Sunday, October 7, along with the E.P. Taylor Stakes (G1) and Nearctic Stakes (G2), all turf events. And while it is early yet, the weekend forecast is for much rain and wind and cool temperatures.
The International, shortened in distance from 12 furlongs to 10 this year, and Taylor, are worth $750,000 and should lure some nifty names from the United States and Europe.
Woodbine’s biggest fan, trainer Charlie Appleby, is scheduling another trip for his Godolphin trainees, after Master of the Seas (Ire) dominated the Woodbine Mile (G1). In fact, the last time the International was held, two years ago, Godolphin and Appleby won it with Walton Street.
Should Appleby start either Group 1 winner NATIONS PRIDE (Ire) (Teofilo) or the three-year-old, Group 2-placed BOLD ACT (Ire) (New Approach), both fellows would be considered top contenders.
Ace European trainer Roger Varian also has the International on the schedule for ROYAL CHAMPION (Ire), winner of the Wolferton Stakes at Ascot in June.
American trainer Mike Maker, considered one of the most talented conditioners with long-distance grass horses, has a litany of nominees and he is expected to start at least one horse.
On the local front, PALAZZI (Pioneerof the Nile), winner of the Grade 3 Singspiel Stakes on Sept. 9, is riding a three-race winning streak for owner Gary Barber. His prowess on yielding turf would be a question. Ontario-bred ENGLISH CONQUEROR, second by a neck in a fast race at 10 furlongs at Saratoga on Aug. 26 and soft-turf loving BRITISH ROYALTY could also be in the hunt for International glory.
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The E.P. TAYLOR is a target for Canada’s 2022 Horse of the Year MOIRA, who had that wild rally in the same race last fall as a three-year-old, finishing second by a neck only to be disqualified and placed eighth. This year, Moira was second in three straight graded stakes before she crushed her rivals on the Grade 2 Canadian Stakes, winning by 6 1/2 lengths with a 101 Beyer Speed Figure. She was second om yielding turf in the Nassau Stakes (G2) this year.
Appleby could be sending WITH THE MOONLIGHT(Ire), a Grade 3 winner, and US trainer Christophe Clement has AMAZING GRACE (Ger), a Group 1 winner, set to contest the Taylor.
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Sunday is also Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) recognition day with a spotlight on placing retired racehorses. The TAA recently announced its calendar photo winners for 2024 and one of them is Ontario-bred Husin Russian, who went through LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement.
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