While champion sprinter Patches O’Houlihan narrowly missed victory in the Kennedy Road Stakes, stablemate Echo With Laughter stepped into the spotlight, securing his fourth win of the season for trainer Robert Tiller and co-owner Frank DiGiulio Jr. The victory in a $10,000 starter optional over seasoned competitor Lapochka marked Echo With Laughter as a standout in a competitive field, tying Patches’ 2024 win tally.
Weekend Highlights at Woodbine
- Patches O’Houlihan, probable champion sprinter of 2024, finished second to Nobals in the Kennedy Road Stakes (G2). Nobals, the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner, is set to compete next in the prestigious Hong Kong Sprint on Dec. 8.
- Stolen, a claiming filly, secured her fourth win of the year in a $15,000 starter optional sprint, continuing her impressive form under trainer Chris Howard.
Outstanding Performances
- Sahin Civaci delivered a remarkable week, winning 10 races, including four on both Saturday and Sunday, to solidify his dominance in the jockey standings. Civaci’s stellar performances include guiding Tiz Her Money to victory and overcoming challenges aboard Loaded Justice, who triumphed at 9-to-1 odds.
- Trainer Martin Drexler had a standout week, sending out seven winners from 21 starters, tightening his race for second place in the trainer standings behind the formidable Mark Casse.
Industry Recognition
The Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) celebrated outstanding contributions to the sport:
- Grooms of the Year: Armando Torres Morales (Ralph Biamonte), Janeen Lalsingh (Steven Chircop), Edwin Weekes (Barb Minshall).
- Assistant Trainers of the Year: Brent Harris (Mike Doyle), Nancy Sullivan (Mark Casse), Emily Fisher (James Begg).
Woodbine 2024 Leaderboard
Top Trainers by Wins
1. Mark Casse – 103 wins, $7.1M purses
2. Martin Drexler – 68 wins, $2.5M purses
3. Kevin Attard – 65 wins, $4.1M purses
Top Jockeys by Wins
1. Sahin Civaci – 141 wins, $5.7M purses
2. Rafael Hernandez – 112 wins, $5.4M purses
3. Fraser Aebly – 71 wins, $2.4M purses
Looking Ahead
As the 2024 season continues, the competition among trainers, jockeys, and horses remains fierce, with more thrilling performances expected from the likes of Patches O’Houlihan, Echo With Laughter, and other rising stars.