On a frigid, blustery day in Etobicoke, 
thoroughbred racing returned to Woodbine racetrack and somewhat fittingly, the ever popular CHANTAL SUTHERLAND took the first dash on Flashy N Classy.
Sutherland rode successfully in California during the winter and has eyes on being leader rider at Woodbine for the first time. “It feels really cold and really windy,” said Sutherland after the race. “At (the distance of) 5 furlongs, I just try and get them out of the gate and get them in front.”
Flashy N Classy, a homebred gelding for John Terdik trained by Anne Cameron, chased speedy Theboyscanswim and jockey Gerry Olguin before taking over in mid-stretch. “The wind was so strong down the stretch once I got the lead I was hoping they couldn’t catch me.” The time for 5 furlongs was 59.13.
Despite the wind and cold, Woodbine was filled with folks lining up for wagers, food and visiting numerous booths featured for Community Day at the track.
Champion jockey PATRICK HUSBANDS didn’t take long to get into the winner’s circle for the 2009 Woodbine season, Husbands won race 2 on heavily favoured TALK FAST, trained by American conditioner Mike Pino.
