Veteran sprinter Stormy Rush kicked off the Woodbine Turf Sprint Series on Wednesday evening at Woodbine Racetrack with an 11-1 upset in the $55,000 first qualifying round.
With Jesse Campbell picking up the mount, True North Stable’s 11-year-old gelding Stormy Rush ($24.40) prevailed in a three-across finish in the first five-furlong sprint under the lights on the new inner turf course.
Trained by Lorne Richards, the son of Stormy Atlantic was making his season’s debut and collared pacesetter Nashville Knight after stalking him throughout. He stopped the clock in :55.80 for his 11th career win.
Nashville Knight, who shook off challenger Gasconade in the stretch, settled for second-place with 4-5 favourite Hitters Park finishing right there at the rail in third.
The series is for horses three years old and up that have started for $25,000 or less since January 1, 2018. The $65,000 second leg will be held on Wednesday, July 31 followed by the $75,000 final on Wednesday, August 21.
Live Thoroughbred racing continues at Woodbine on Friday, with first race post time set for 4:05 p.m.
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