The unprecedented situation of 2020 has put a series of obstacles in front of the horse racing industry in Canada. However, regulators and government have worked a way of bringing back live-harness races to life and it was announced back in February that the 2021 Standardbred season may start. In light of the upcoming season, Woodbine Entertainment has most recently announced nominations for the Pepsi North America Cup.

The competition has been a fan-favorite for decades now, accumulating a significant interest among fans of the exciting sport. This year’s edition of the cup will be the 38th and if there are no changes to the schedule it is expected to take place on June 19, 2021, at Woodbine Mohawk Park. It was announced that the event for three-year-old pacers has received 72 nominations.

Eligible Candidates

Winner of the Dan Patch Award Perfect Sting has headed the nominations list for the gala event on June 19, 2021. The undefeated son of Always B Miki has won last year’s Breeders Crown and Kentucky Sires Stakes Championship for trainer Joe Holloway with owners Brittany Farms and Val D’or Farms.

O’Brien Award Winner Lawless Shadow was also voted for the grant event. The horse is trained by Dr. Ian Moore. Another familiar name on the list is Ontario Sires Stakes Champion Bulldog Hanover trained by Jack Darling. Other names attracting interest are Summa Cum Laude, Southwind Gendry, Always A Miki, and American Courage.

Woodbine Entertainment’s rewarding stakes program is action-packed for the month of September. Fans will be able to enjoy events such as Maple Leaf Trot, Canadian Pacing Derby, Canadian Trotting Classic, Metro Pace, and Mohawk Million. Trotting mare Atlanta won last year’s edition of the Maple Leaf Trot and this year is nominated to this year’s event. Her rival Manchego has also been cast along with 38 other trotters.

Canadian Horse of the Year Century Farroh leads the group of 46 older pacers voted to the Canadian Pacing Derby. With last year’s winner, Dorsoduro Hanover selected once again with four-year-old standouts Tattoo Artist, Warrawee Vital, and Cattlewash. The Canadian Trotting Classic will be another interesting race with leading names of Wellwood winner On A Streak and Million champion Venerate.

Mohawk Million Slots Announced

The horse racing leader has revealed all slot owners for another eye-catching event this year – the Mohawk Million. According to the statement Determination, EquineX, and Gino Toscani are each now in possession of two slots for the event. Brad Grant, Crawford Farms, and Steve Heimbecker are with one slot. The final 10th slot will be determined by the winner of William Wellwood Memorial.

Special Thanks

CEO of the live-harness regulator Jim Lawson has also directed public gratitude towards all owners who have purchased a slot for the highly-anticipated Mohawk Million Event. Mr. Lawson thanked all participants for the purchases despite the current financial difficulties caused by the unprecedented situation. Additionally, he wanted to acknowledge all people involved in the reopening discussions and making the new season possible.

Source: “72 nominated to Pepsi North America Cup”, Woodbine Entertainment, March 5, 2021