Canadian Triple Tiara of Thoroughbred Racing: Celebrating Seeley Hill's Historic Triumph

Since its inception in 1999, the Canadian Triple Tiara has mirrored the structure of the Triple Crown stallion races, providing a platform for three-year-old fillies in Thoroughbred racing. This series, akin to its stallion counterpart, showcases the prowess of female horses in the sport.

While the Triple Crown series for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses began in Canada in 1959, it traditionally included both stallions and fillies. Stallions, with their higher testosterone levels and robust physical attributes, have historically dominated mixed competitions. Yet, the Canadian Triple Tiara brings gender equality to the forefront, allowing fillies to showcase their speed, agility, and elegance on the racetrack.

Despite the physiological differences favouring stallions in mixed races, fillies occasionally emerge victorious, capturing the hearts of spectators and earning national acclaim. Notable among them is Moira, the champion of the inaugural Woodbine Oaks Triple Tiara in 2022. Moira's triumph extended beyond the Triple Tiara, as she went on to secure victory in the prestigious Queen's Plate later that fall, competing against stallions. Her exceptional performance set a course record for the 163-year-old Queen's Plate, completing the 1 and ¼ miles in a remarkable 2:01:48 minutes.

As the Canadian Triple Tiara continues to unfold at the Woodbine Race Course in Toronto, Ontario, it not only highlights the athletic prowess of three-year-old Thoroughbred fillies but also contributes to the restoration of gender equality in Thoroughbred racing—a testament to the evolving landscape of this esteemed sport.

The series consists of three races, which are held in the summer and early autumn.

Canadian Triple Tiara: Unveiling the Woodbine Oaks - Stage 1

The Canadian Triple Tiara kicks off with Stage 1, the Woodbine Oaks. This race, held in July, spans a distance of 1 and 1/8 miles at the renowned Woodbine Race Course in Toronto, Ontario. Since 1999, it has served as the series opener, showcasing the speed and stamina of three-year-old fillies.

The track, featuring a tapeta surface, a synthetic blend of sand, wax, and fibres replicating grass roots, provides a unique racing experience. Sponsored by the American brewing company Budweiser (BT), a prominent supporter of major sports competitions, the Woodbine Oaks boasts a substantial prize fund of $500,000.

In the 2023 edition, Elysian Field, under the guidance of trainer Mark E. Casse, clinched victory with an impressive time of 1:49.78 minutes. Casse, a seasoned trainer, secured his fourth Woodbine Oaks win since 2006. Notably, among his accomplished champions is Sealy Hill, the illustrious mare who remains the sole victor of all three stages of the Canadian Triple Tiara.

The 2022 Woodbine Oaks witnessed the triumph of Moira, trained by Kevin Attard, who covered the distance in 1:49.83 minutes. Attard's consecutive victories highlight his prowess in preparing top-tier fillies, with his filly Munnyfor Ro seizing victory in 2021 with a time of 1:50.31 minutes. As the Woodbine Oaks sets the stage, anticipation builds for the next legs of the Canadian Triple Tiara, promising more exhilarating racing moments in the summer and early autumn. 

Canadian Triple Tiara: Charging Ahead to Stage 2 - Bison City Stakes

As the Canadian Triple Tiara continues its thrilling journey, Stage 2 takes centre stage with the Bison City Stakes. This captivating race, spanning 1 and 1/16 miles, unfolds at Woodbine Race Course in July or August. The race's history, dating back to 1954, has seen various venue shifts, finally settling at Woodbine Race Course since 2007.

The track's artificial surface adds an intriguing dimension to the competition. With a substantial prize fund of $250,000, the Bison City Stakes attracts top-class fillies ready to showcase their speed and endurance.

In the 2023 edition, Me and My Shadow, under the expert guidance of trainer Mark E. Casse, claimed victory with an impressive time of 1:44:30 minutes. Casse's mastery in the Bison City Stakes was evident as he celebrated his sixth triumph, securing $250,000 in prize money.

The 2022 season witnessed Sister Seagull, trained by Sean Fitzhenry, seizing victory in 1:44.48 minutes. Notably, in the first stage of the series, she narrowly trailed Moira, finishing second.

In 2021, trainer Martin Drexler's charge, Il Malocchio, crossed the finish line in 1:43.42 minutes, clinching victory. However, in the initial stage of the race, she secured a commendable third place.

A remarkable episode in the race's history unfolded in 2003 when the fillies Seeking the Ring and Brattothecore, trained by Mark Frostad and John A. Ross, engaged in a neck-and-neck battle that even a photo finish couldn't resolve, resulting in a rare dead heat. The Bison City Stakes continues to add suspense and drama to the Canadian Triple Tiara, setting the stage for the grand finale.

Canadian Triple Tiara Grand Finale: Wonder Where Stakes

As the Canadian Triple Tiara reaches its grand finale, the spotlight falls on the Wonder Where Stakes, a historic race held at Woodbine Race Course since 1965. Since 1999, it has served as the prestigious third leg of the series, adding a layer of complexity with its 1 and 1/4-mile distance, turf track surface, and a substantial prize fund of 250,000 Canadian dollars.

Named in honour of the exceptional filly Wonder Where, celebrated as Horse of the Year in 1959, this race pays tribute to her remarkable achievements. Wonder Where's prowess as a two-year-old, securing victories in five out of eight starts, and her dominance over stallion rivals in prestigious races as a three-year-old solidified her legacy in the Canadian Racing Hall of Fame.

In the 2023 edition, Tito's Calling, a filly trained by Rico Walcott, emerged victorious, crossing the finish line with a time of 2:04.90 minutes. Tito's Calling's triumphs unfolded as a compelling storyline in the series, starting with a tenth-place finish in the Woodbine Oaks and a remarkable second place in the Bison City Stakes.

The 2022 season witnessed Sister Seagull, the victor of the second stage of the series, once again showcasing her prowess and claiming the top position in the final stage with a time of 2:04.65 minutes.

Noteworthy in the annals of Wonder Where Stakes history is Inflexibility's record-setting performance in 2017, clocking an impressive time of 1:58.88 minutes.

A fitting culmination to this prestigious series, the Wonder Where Stakes has been witness to extraordinary feats, and it is here that Sealy Hill etched her name as the first and only filly to achieve the coveted Canadian Triple Crown victory. The Wonder Where Stakes remains a defining chapter in the legacy of the Canadian Triple Tiara, celebrating the triumphs of exceptional fillies on the turf.

Sealy Hill: A Racing Legend and Triple Tiara Triumph

Sealy Hill, an illustrious filly, etched her name in the annals of Canadian horse racing as an iconic and eccentric personality. Honoured as an exemplary athlete, she received three Sovereign Awards in 2007, earning her a place in the esteemed Canadian Hall of Fame.

Bestowed with the prestigious title of "Canadian Horse of the Year," Sealy Hill's remarkable achievements extended to being recognized as the "Canadian champion three-year-old filly" and the "Canadian champion among mares in turf racing" in 2007.

Known for her spirited and unpredictable temperament, Sealy Hill's antics amused and challenged her trainer, Mark Casse. Her mood swings and unpredictable behaviour added a layer of excitement to her already stellar racing career. Despite her eccentricities, Sealy Hill competed at the highest level, facing off against the world's best fillies and amassing over $1,700,000 in earnings from 18 victorious starts.

The pinnacle of Sealy Hill's career came in the dramatic 2007 Triple Tiara series. After clinching victory in the second stage, a subsequent disqualification dropped her to third place. However, the narrative took a turn when, three months later, the Ontario Racing Commission overturned the disqualification, crowning Sealy Hill as a "thrice crowned" champion.

Sealy Hill's legacy extends beyond the racetrack, as she ventured into motherhood with nine foals, seven of which entered the racing world. Notable among her progeny are Hillaby and Cambier Parc, both achieving Canadian champion status. Belle Hill and Gale Force, Grade 3 winners, further exemplify Sealy Hill's influence as a prolific broodmare.

On February 23, 2021, Sealy Hill passed away, leaving a void in the racing community. Mark Casse expressed the privilege and honour of coaching her, acknowledging her not only as a great race mare but also as a super broodmare.

As racing enthusiasts gather at Woodbine Race Course each year, Sealy Hill's unparalleled 2007 triumph in the Triple Tiara remains an unmatched feat. Her legacy endures, and she stands as the sole "thrice crowned" filly, a testament to her enduring impact on Canadian horse racing.