Last Sunday was an exciting day for the fans of thoroughbred racing in Canada, as Ontario’s Woodbine Racetrack hosted the elite CA$401,600 Breeders’ Stakes. This was the 130th running of the event and British Royalty’s impressive performance secured him the top spot. Safe Conduct also returned to the track, after his winning of this year’s Queen’s Plate.
British Royalty is the son of the English Channel, and he was claimed away from trainer and co-owner Barb Minshall in the summer. This was the horse’s first appearance at the OLG Canadian Triple Crown and it was one to remember. The filly managed to slip away from its fellow Canadian-foaled three-year-olds and grab the victory.
Massive Win
On Sunday, the Breeders’ Stakes at Woodbine Racetrack included a field of 12 horses. British Royalty faced fierce competition with the likes of Safe Conduct, who won this year’s Queen’s Plate, along with runner-up Riptide Rock, Prince of Wales Stakes champ Haddassah, and many more talented fillies. However, the son of the English Channel was able to win the race with ease.
Safe Conduct started the race strong and was in control of the line with Haddassah in second and Keep Grinding third. At the first quarter driver Patrick Husbands with British Royalty sat comfortably at seventh with a time of :25.00. At the half-mile mark, Safe Conduct was still first but with Collective Force at second. But Mr. Husbands managed to push British Royalty to number six.
Then, when Safe Conduct was already struggling against Collective Force and British Royalty. The latter stepped into gear, and blasted its way through the top, and managed to secure a one-length lead on Riptide Rock. In the end, British Royalty won comfortably with an advantage of the impressive four-lengths. Riptide Rock and Collective Force came second and third.
Starting with odds of 24-1, British Royalty returned CA$51.20 for its win, and thus recording his second victory in a total of nine career starts. For his owner Mr. Minshall, who lost the horse to a claim in July and then claimed him again, and according to him, this was one of the best wins of his career. He admitted to making the mistake of letting him go and now is happy to have the horse back.
Queen’s Plate Champion
Safe Conduct who was with rider Emma-Jayne Wilson on Sunday finished eight but she still praised the horse and congratulated him for winning the Queen’s Plate this year. Ms. Wilson revealed that she has been following the horse since last year, and it was hopeful to get him another jewel of the crown but it was not their day on Sunday.
Impressive Betting Handle
The Queen’s Plate is one of the most anticipated and prestigious races in the country and this year’s running was no exception. Woodbine Entertainment has recently reported that the 162nd edition of the race has managed to accumulate its second-highest betting activity in its history. This year’s installment has recorded a total of CA$3.5 million in wagering and the day’s race card reported a total of CA$16.1 million in handle.
Source: “Claim To Fame: British Royalty Crowned Breeders’ Stakes Champ”, Woodbine.com, October 3, 2021
