Great training jobs and a little luck go a long way in the world of horse racing, just ask Josie Carroll and Nigel Burke.
Races
Son of Japanese stallion Deep Impact flew to a big win in the 244th edition of the great three-year-old race at 12 furlongs.
At Hastings racecourse in Vancouver, the young trainer sent out Big Union to win the $50,000 George Royal Stakes.
Both graded stakes races on Saturday were won by Live Oak Plantation horses trained by Mark Casse and piloted by Patrick Husbands.
With the threat of Animal Rising protesters on the horizon, the 244th Betfred Epsom Derby is set to go June 3rd.
The Grade 3 Eclipse has lured a competitive field of older horses including Kentucky-based Wolfie's Dynaghost.
The current Queen of Racing in Canada will meet eight other gals in the 1 1/16 mile Grade 3 at Woodbine on June 3rd.
It was quite an afternoon on May 29 for leading rider Kazushi Kimura, who rode four winners while trainer Kevin Attard saddled three.
The small fields of weekly races at Woodbine have been replaced by larger fields and grass racing this weekend.
The Manitoba CTHS and HBPA had their awards night May 20th at Assiniboia Downs, ushering in a strong opening day of the 2023 season.
The Winnipeg track will double the Pick 4 pool guarantee for every card starting on May 29, another initiative to encourage healthy wagering.
The season's Grade 1 highlights include the Ricoh Woodbine Mile, Johnnie Walker Natalma Stakes, Summer Stakes and Canadian International.
Total wagering was up 6 per cent over opening day 2022, with One More Ring taking the Spring into Summer Cup.
The Winnipeg track's opening day saw champion jock Jorge Carreno take the first race, large crowds and enthusiastic wagering.
It was an exciting finish in the $116,000 King Corrie Stakes on Sunday at Woodbine, while Plate eligible Kaukokaipuu wins big.