He made his living protecting jockeys and horses during the afternoon races. He played an important role in the development of young horses and was a familiar, smiling face all day long at Woodbine.

Condolences to the family and friends of DARREN FORTUNE who passed away Thursday after a training accident at Woodbine racetrack.

The racetrack community in and around Woodbine is cloaked with sadness this Saturday morning following the tragic accident on the track.

Darren, 43, was affectionately known as ‘Crash’ to his many friends and he had just finished working a 2-year-old for Nick and Martha Gonzalez in company when his mount was drifting out heading into the clubhouse turn.

The youngster bolted and careened into another horse jogging the wrong way on the outside fence, tossing Darren to the ground. He was rushed to hospital but had succumbed to his injuries.

Darren had many families: his outrider group, his backstretch family and his personal life, including brother Harold and partner Aimee Auger, a jockey at Woodbine.

He will be missed by so many.

To honour his a moment of silence will be held following Saturday’s seventh race, at Woodbine.

Bblack arm bands will be worn by the jockeys, valets and gate crew as well as all of the grooms for Gonzalez-trained horses racing on Saturday.

Following the seventh race (4:24 p.m. ET), the outriders will congregate on horseback at the finish line to lead a moment of silence where they will be joined by members of Woodbine’s racing community.

First post time on Saturday’s 10-race card is 1 p.m.​

 

 

WOODBINE MILE is SATURDAY

World Approval looms favourite over Deauville

 

Probables – comments

Arod (IRE) / Qatar Racing Limited / David Simcock

– was 5th in this race last year behind Tepin – has been in poor form in Australia, off since spring

Conquest Panthera / Gary Barber / Mark Casse

– won Play the King Stakes with 1010 Beyer Figure, matching career top (Kitten’s Joy)

Deauville (IRE) / Mrs. Fitri Hay, Mrs. John Magnier, Mr. Michael Tabor and Mr. Derrick Smith / Aidan O’Brien

– close 3rd in Arlington Million last 2 years – 100 Beyer last time (Galileo)

Disco Partner / Mrs. Patricia A. Generazio / Christophe Clement

– won 3 straight stakes at Belmont, 105 Beyer Figure twice, 4th on soft turf to World App. latest (Disco Rico)

Dragon Bay / Brent McLellan, Russell McLellan and Stuart C. Simon / Stuart Simon

– Woodbine guy won 10 furlong Nijinsky S. 96 Beyer Figure new top (Parading)

Dutch Connection (GB) / Godolphin / Charlie Hills

– by Dutch Art, just won Group 3 at 7 fur. Goodwood, 12th in last yrs’ BC Mile, 93 Beyer

Glenville Gardens / Janice Attard / Sid Attard

– Woodbine guy was 7th to Tepin last year, 3rd in Play the King with 98 Beyer

Lancaster Bomber / Mr. Michael B. Tabor, Mr. Derrick Smith and Mrs. John Magnier / Aidan O’Brien

– by War Front, 2nd BC Juvenile Turf last year (91 Beyer), 2nd in Group 1 St James Palace in June

Long on Value / Wachtel Stable, Kerr, George J. and Barber, Gary / William I. Mott

– son of Value Plus is Grade 3 winner at 1 mile, has sprinted lately. 103 Beyer last time at Sar.

Mondialiste / Geoff and Sandra Turnbull / David O’Meara

– won 2015 Woodbine Mile (see replay), 106 Beyer then 2nd in BC Mile; won Arl. Million last yr;  0 -6 inEngland this year

Tower of Texas / Thomas F. Van Meter II and Scott Dilworth / Roger Attfield

– 2nd to Tepin last year 102 Beyer; wn this yrs’ Connaught 103 Beyer

World Approval / Live Oak Plantation / Mark Casse

– Northern Fleet fellow won Fourstardave Grade 1 last time, 108 beyer new top at age 5;  2 Woodbine tries were at 1 1/2 miles

 

 2016 WOODBINE MILE from TVG

 

 

 

B.C. DERBY HIGHLIGHTS BIG DAY OF RACING AT HASTINGS

 

PREVIEW:

http://www.derbybarandgrill.com/railbird/2017/09/mike-heads-derby-day-preview/79431