Trainer Nicole Rycroft Wins First Stake With Third Starter

Nicole Rycroft’s training career in Vancouver, BC is off to a roaring start with two wins from her first three starters. Even better, Rycroft won her first stakes race when BIG UNION (Union Rags – Cuttyhunk by Munnings) rallied from off a hot pace to win the $50,000 George Royal Stakes at Hastings on June 3.

Ridden by Ridge Balgobin, Big Union stayed some six lengths back of a sizzling pace set by Bakken Overdrive and Be Quick – 21.53, 44.63) and then moved three wide around the last turn to win in 1:16.62 for 6 1/2 furlongs.

Dave and Sylvea Gregory’s Soaringforthesun was last early and made a menacing move on the final bend to get in contention but could not get near the winner and settled for second money. ReinDance Farm’s Bakken Overdrive was absolutely awesome as he fought off his rivals on the head end and stayed on gamely for the third spot.

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A $16,000 claim last fall by owners Sherlye Benson, Dennis Dale, Tabitha Perry and Cathy and Kelly Rycroft, Big Union was the first winner for trainer Rycroft, a former longtime assistant to trainer Craig MacPherson. Big Union, a Kentucky-bred, has won 7 of 19 races and earned over $177,000.

The $50,000 Emerald Downs stakes for older fillies and mares going six and a half furlongs was won by Willow Creek Farms’ WE B THREE ($4.20), who encountered some traffic trouble while racing in between horses until Amadeo Perez seized the opportunity into the lane as the rail opened, shooting through to win easily in 1:16..58 for trainer Steve Henson. Christine Ammann’s Rea Mea set an uncontested pace of 22.20 and 45.81 and she proved a tough mare to run by as she raced courageously to the wire and checked in a clear runner-up. The Nite and Day Stable and Joanne Todd’s Bayakoas Image was impressive in her return to the races after an 11-month break as she raced close to the pace and stayed gamely for third.

We B Three is a five-year-old by Teide – Lost Humor by Langfuhr and she was bred by Ole A. Nielsen. Purchased for $1,000 by Willow Creek, the mare was winning her second stakes race and fifth race of her career. She has earned $110,977.

-with files from Horseracing BC