Vancouver, B.C. (April 29) – As expected, Ookashada and Thesaratogaexpress went head-to-head in the colts and gelding division of the $50,000 CTHS Sales Stake Sunday at Hastings Racecourse.
Unexpectedly, Stephanson closed in the stretch to score an upset victory in 1:18.1 for owner Roland Embree and veteran trainer Allan Jack. Stephanson paid $20.40 to win under jockey Dave Wilson.
Pedro Alvarado was the winning jockey in Saturday’s opening day feature in the fillies division of the $50,000 CTHS Sales Stakes. Suva, last year’s 2-year-old filly champion owned by Jeffrey Sengara and trained by Steve Henson, finished three lengths ahead of Napa in a winning time of 1:18.1. Suva gained the lead on the second turn and drew off with Napa closing in the stretch to finish second ahead of Chelsey’s Image.
The CTHS Sales Stakes are restricted to Canadian-breds who have gone through a Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society sale.
Sunday’s card at Hastings opened on a sombre note with a moment of silence in remembrance of long-time jockey and trainer Gary Demorest who passed away early Sunday after suffering a kidney failure. Demorest led all trainers at Hastings in wins in 2005 with 47. The highlight of his 2006 season was winning three stakes races on BC Cup Day: the Stellar’s Jay (He’s Quite A Guy), Debutante (Chelsey’s Image) and Classic (Spaghetti Mouse).
Demorest, 54, was a native of Long Beach, California.
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