The famed Aiken Training Track in South Carolina, first opened in 1941, has long been a coveted location for training racehorses during the winter months. Flat and steeplechase horses made Aiken their home in the winter and among the champions who emerged from there include Pleasant Colony, Swale, Forty Niner, Storm Song, and Midshipman.
For dozens of years, Canadians have trained horses on the one-mile track and participated in the annual Aiken Trials, a one-day festival of the horse including trophy races and events. Most notable of the Canadian horsepeople was the late Gustav Schickedanz, whose US winter farm was located nearby. Schickedanz and trainer Mike Keogh and his staff were regular participants in the day’s races which are short dashes for all ages of horses. Schickedanz’s great Canadian Triple crown winner Wando was named the 2003 Aiken Horse of the Year. The races put the spotlight on young horses and exercise riders who are given the opportunity to ride in races.
On March 19, the 79th Aiken Trials were held and while there weren’t any Canadians in the races, viewing the images from the day is a rite of spring for any horse racing fan. Horse racing broadcaster Caton Bredar was on track and shared plenty of videos and photos.
The featured City of Aiken Trophy was won by New York-bred Dr. Marbooz, ridden by Kathleen Hogan. The gelding won by a wide margin from his lone rival, Fearless Kitten. A 2-year-old race featured a filly from the first crop of Grade 1 winner Sharp Azteca, Divina Dulce, who was second to Shinook, a daughter of Medina Spirit’s sire Protonico.
Dr. Marbooz won the City of Aiken Trophy – photo courtesy Aiken Trials director Barry Bornstein
Shinook (Protonico filly) out duels Divina Dulce (Sharp Azteca) in the 2nd Aiken Trial pic.twitter.com/vTmnqE6U3g
— caton bredar (@CBredar) March 19, 2022
Pony races at the Aiken Trials – photo by racing director Barry Bornstein
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