Following the Woodbine card on Friday, September 12, several racing experts, media, and bettors took to social media to convey dismay about race 5, won by Edward Trinka’s VALLEY VICTORY.
The four-year-old gelding was 20-to 1 in the morning line and went into the gate at 22-to-1 and won the race handily at just 7-to-2.
The horse posted a 71 Beyer Speed Figure, the best number of his career on the Tapeta surface. Valley Victory was making his first start for trainer Todd Kettleson and had five pound apprentice Cheyenne Kerr aboard.
The AGCO stewards spoke to Kettleson about the horse’s change in form (he had not been in the top at Woodbine since last year) and noted in the Senior Steward’s report that they accepted the trainer’s explanation of equipment changes, etc.
The CPMA was also asked to look into the wagering on the race.
On Thursday, the CPMA reported back to Canadian Thoroughbred:
“As part of our regular supervision function, CPMA conducted a review of all betting activities regarding the races at Woodbine on September 12, 2025. There was also a request from a steward to review betting information on Race 5 specifically. The CPMA review has determined there were no irregularities found in the betting activity.”
The issue at hand is thousands of dollars being wagered through computers seconds before a race begins. Recently, Del Mar stopped allowing betting by CAWs during the last two minutes to post. (See story here, which notes: ‘In perhaps the most glaring odds drop, Nanci Griffith — winner of the sixth race July 26 — was 18-1 odds before closing at 6-1 in the final cycle.’)
In essence, CAWs win more with its methods while regular bettors lose more.
Canadian Thoroughbred will continue to update this story.
Some Ontario tracks’ handle is up to 50% from CAWs. See a story here on the impact of CAWs on racing.
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