Dating back centuries the phrase “familiarity breeds contempt” basically referred to a person disliking another after spending too much time together.
It most certainly does not apply to Peter Redekop and Glen Todd, a couple of gladiators who have known and respected each other for years as successful horse owners at Hastings Racecourse.
In fact, the phrase “familiarity breeds content” might be more appropriate.
There clearly was not any animosity evident as they took turns sharing the spotlight Sunday with victories in the two $50,000 stake races highlighting an eight-race card that thrilled an opening day crowd to launch a 52-day meet at the historic Hastings site
Todd hit the stakes winner’s circle first when favoured Dear Lilly won a thriller in the $50,000 Brighouse Belles for fillies and mares by overtaking Chianti in the closing strides for a one-length victory under jockey David Lopez.
Lopez scored three wins on the day. He rode Cederberg to victory in the third and Seeking Asylum in the nightcap.
Trained by Sandi Gann for Todd’s North American Thoroughbred Horse Company and ownership partner Mark DeDomenico, Dear Lilly finished the 6 ½ furlong sprint over a sloppy track in 1:17.39, paying $4.90, $3.00 and $2.70.
“She shows up every time,” a delighted Todd said. “She’s been running all winter at Turf Paradise and won three out of four starts down there. We just decided to give her a shot on opening day and it worked out well.”
Redekop was equally pleased with Distinctiv Passion in the Swift Thoroughbreds Inaugural. Making his first start for Hastings trainer Phil Hall after being claimed for $62,500 by Redekop at Santa Anita last month, Distinctiv Passion led from start to finish in a 6 ½ furlong sprint for 3-year-olds & up that drew an impressive field of 11 horses.
“He’s got a lot of speed and the short turns obviously didn’t bother him,” Redekop beamed as he congratulated jockey Enrique Gonzalez in the winner’s circle. Distinctiv Passion finished in a final time of 1:16.38, paying $4.00, $3.00 and $2.70.
Live racing resumes Sunday, April 30 at 1:50 p.m. with two $50,000 stakes on the card: the BC Cup Dogwood and BC Cup Stellar Jay. Following the final race Sunday the Hastings Paddock Sales featuring 2-year-olds in training and horses of racing age will take place on the tarmac at Hastings. There will be a Paddock Sales Preview on Saturday, April 29 at 11:30 a.m.
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