Fraser Aebly has made a remarkable impact at Woodbine with an incredible start to his stakes racing career, winning both the Ontario Damsel Stakes and the Ontario Fashion Stakes on October 12. This achievement comes just over a month after he transitioned from an apprentice jockey to a journeyman.
In the $127,500 Ontario Damsel Stakes, Aebly rode Ecstasy, a 27 to 1 longshot owned by Lou and Carlo Tucci and trained by Sid Attard. Despite the odds stacked against her, Ecstasy took the lead in the final stretch. Aebly highlighted her perseverance, stating, “She’s a real honest horse” and praised her ability to perform under various conditions.
Following the Damsel Stakes, Aebly continued to shine, steering A Game, a 48 to 1 outsider owned by Mark Dodson and conditioned by Josie Carroll, to victory in the $154,090 Ontario Fashion Stakes. Despite not being particularly favoured, A Game exhibited a strong finishing surge, splitting rival horses to secure the win. The victory was met with surprise as A Game paid a hefty $99.20 to win, showcasing Aebly's growing reputation for strategic riding.
Both horses showcased exceptional talent and determination under Aebly’s guidance, marking significant milestones in his burgeoning career. Aebly's performance is particularly impressive in light of the competitive nature of the Woodbine jockey standings, where he currently ranks sixth overall in wins.
Key Stats:
- Fraser Aebly:
- Races: 442
- Wins: 51
- Win Percentage: 12%
Leading Woodbine Jockeys:
1. Sahin Civaci: 114 wins
2. Rafael Manuel Hernandez: 85 wins
3. Sofia Vives: 57 wins
4. Fraser Aebly: 51 wins
As Aebly continues to gain experience and confidence, his upward trajectory in the racing world is certainly one to watch in the upcoming meets at Woodbine.