It would be hard to have a better story-line finish in this year’s Queen’s Plate than what transpired on September 12 at Woodbine. The 161st Plate was already historical because it was being held three months later than usual due to the devastating COVID-19 pandemic and held without fans and only scatterings of horse owners.
And then there, at the top of the stretch run of the 1 1/4 mile Canadian classic, was the one-eyed MIGHTY HEART, a medium-sized bay colt with three white socks with young Daisuke Fukumoto riding, powering away from 13 rivals on his way to Plate glory.
On the track apron, his owner and breeder Lawrence Cordes celebrated, trainer Josie Carroll was jubilant as another of her trainees, Belichick, finished second, while her favoured runner Curlin’s Voyage was not far off in fifth.