Another round of thrilling horse racing action took place this week, as Woodbine Mohawk Park hosted the third leg Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Series for two-year-old pacing fillies on August 17, 2021. Millar Farms of Stouffville, Ontario, impressed once again, as the Silver Label and Prohibition Legal caught the eye with remarkable performances.

The horse racing industry in Ontario is currently enjoying life and it is starting to recover from the impacts of the unprecedented situation. After being suspended, live racing was allowed to restart in June, and in July, Woodbine Entertainment officially welcomed back live audiences at its Woodbine Racetrack and Woodbine Mohawk Park at 50% capacity.

Inspiring Display

For Millar Farm, Silver Label with driver James McDonald was the first one out of the gate and in post five in the first CA$103,000 Gold division. After a slow start, the filly led the field of 10 to a 27 1/5 opening quarter. The horse cruised the last quarter and recorded a personal best of 1:52, with Fade out and Love That Smile coming respectively second and third.

Trainer Nick Gallucci commented that the win is a pretty important step for Silver Label, as she proved herself in the top-flight division. According to him, the daughter of Bettor’s Delight and Hidden Gem has trained really well during the winter. This win was her second in the Gold Series and her fourth in for starts. She also won the July 6 Grassroots opener at Georgian Downs and in an Aug. 2 overnight at Woodbine Mohawk Park

There were more reasons for excitement as four races later Prohibition Legal put in a spectacular performance and setting a personal best of 1:52. She overtook collar pace-setting Balance and pocket-sitter, Flo, in a spectacular fashion coming from fifth to first. The win arrives only two weeks after the filly was at the University of Guelph’s Equine Clinic with abdominal pain and it was unclear whether she would race again this summer.

Mr. Gallucci said that the University did a great job of her treatment and surgery was not necessary as the filly spent five days in the clinic. The trainer explained that the team was nervous about the horse as the surgery would have put her out of commission for the rest of the year. Mr. Gallucci claimed that the team was lucky to avoid the operation and the recent win was quite special for her and him.

Guest Celebrities

Horse racing fans should be excited for this Sunday’s annual The Queen’s Plate stakes at Woodbine Racetrack. Earlier this week, Woodbine Entertainment announced that swimming medalists Penny Oleksiak and Kayla Sanchez will be joining the event as celebrity ambassadors. Additionally, the stakes breakfast will be hosted by Jason Partuondo, and festivities should start around 10 a.m. ET.

Exciting Summer Ahead

Previously, in an interview, Jim Lawson who is the current CEO and President of Woodbine Entertainment did not hide his excitement about this year’s edition of The Queen’s Plate. According to him, this summer the CA$1 million event could have a full field of 17 starters. In addition to that, for the first time since 2019 live audiences will also be present at the track, thus contributing to an even better experience.

Source: “Millar Fillies Sweep OSS Golds”, Standardbred Canada, August 18, 2021