Mongolian Wind in Manitoba Derby for Andy Stronach, Mongolian Stable

Lightly raced MONGOLIAN WIND (Mucho Macho Man – Heckuva Good Time by Afternoon Deelite) made a bold move on the last turn and held off a charging Mr. Unusual to upset the 72nd Manitoba Derby on Monday at 7 to 1. Making just his third start of his career for owners Andy Stronach and Mongolian Stable, the 3-year-old won by a head under jockey Wilmer Galviz in a time of 1:54.00 for 1 1/8 miles. Wade Eno is the trainer and Lorne Fraser was the assistant trainer for Manitoba Derby night. The race was worth $60,000.

Mr. Unusual, a maiden owned by Henry Witt as 2 lengths clear of race favourite Something Natural, trained by Robertino Diodoro.

Winner’s circle celebration following the Manitoba Derby with Andy Stronach (beige pants) sporting the trophy for Mongolian Groom – Jason Halstead photo

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Mongolian Stable is the racing operation of Mongolian Ganbaatar Dagvadorj. Dagvadorj has owned Thoroughbred racehorses since 2010 and has several broodmares on Kentucky farms. He has won a Breeders’ Cup race with Mongolian Saturday.

Mongolian Wind began his career in late June at Santa Anita, finishing seventh in a $20,000 maiden claiming race. He won his maiden next out at 40 to 1 for $40,000 claiming at Los Alamitos on June 28.

The winner’s dam, Heckuva Good Time, is a stakes winner of 5 races of $237,000 winning the Open Mind Stakes at 6 furlongs at Monmouth Park in 2008.

She was purchased by Mongolian Stable in foal to Harlan’s Holiday for $40,000 in 2012 at the Keeneland November sale. Mongolian Wind has had 6 foals to race, all winners.

Monday’s racing at Assiniboia Downs also featured a mandatory payout of its Pick 5 wager which had a $300,000 carryover. Betting was brisk on the 8-race card, totaling over $2.1 million. The Pick 5 paid $16,000 to the owners of winning tickets.