Justin Stein rode Academic to victory on Saturday, August 15 in the 86th running of the $200,000 Canadian Derby at Northlands Park Racetrack & Casino. Academic’s win is the first time a filly has won the Canadian Derby since 2003.
Jockey Justin Stein from New Westminster, BC was a finalist two straight years for a Sovereign Award for Top Apprentice Rider. Trainer Tim Rycroft and owners Bear Stables Ltd. and Riversedge Racing Stables Ltd. watched as Academic, winner and record-setter of the $500,000 Woodbine Oaks on June 14 of this year, delighted fans by taking the late lead and winning the Canadian Derby with 9-1 odds. Coming in second place was Witt Six ridden by Dane Nelson and trained by Jerry Gourneau and in third place was Cowboys Don’t Cry ridden by Antonio Reyes and trained by Tom Rycroft.
Below are the results from the three stakes races run on today’s card:
The 36th running of the Sonoma Stakes ($50,000)
Horse: Hero’s Amor
Jockey: Dane Nelson
Trainer: Tim Rycroft
The Northlands Marathon leg one ($18,000)
Horse: Grand Request
Jockey: Rafael Zenteno Jr.
Trainer: Deanna Walper
The Northlands Marathon leg two ($18,000)
Horse: Gambling Don
Jockey: Rico Walcott
Trainer: Floyd M. Arthur
The 54rd running of the Westerner Stakes ($50,000)
Horse: For Cash
Jockey: Rico Walcott
Trainer: Dale Greenwood
The 39th running of the Sun Sprint Championship ($50,000)
Horse: Clear the Runway
Jockey: Dane Nelson
Trainer: Tim Rycroft
The last six editions of the Canadian Derby have broken the $1-million dollar wagering mark. This year, wagering reached a Canadian Derby record of $1,344,537.
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