Father's Day was a spectacular day for Rafael Hernandez at Woodbine as the talented rider secured five victories on the card and came close to winning a sixth in the final race of the day. The weekend of June 15 and 16 saw some exciting racing at Woodbine, with larger fields and increased wagering activity compared to earlier in the year. Across the province, tracks like Fort Erie and Ajax Downs also saw strong attendance and wagering numbers on Father's Day Sunday.
The trend of longshot winners continued at Woodbine last week, with the average win payoff hovering around $15. One of the most surprising results of the week came from THIS KATZ FOR REAL, who scored his maiden victory at odds of 72-to-1 under the guidance of jockey Juan Crawford. Trained by Devon Gittens and owned by Bruno Schickedanz, the Florida-bred four-year-old gelding showed immense improvement from his previous race to secure the victory.
Devon Gittens, a talented young trainer from Barbados, has been making a name for himself in the Canadian racing scene. After starting his training career at Assiniboia Downs, Gittens recently branched out to Woodbine and Fort Erie, where he has been finding success. His partnership with owner Bruno Schickedanz has already yielded positive results, with This Katz For Real providing a highlight win.
In addition to Hernandez's stellar performance on Sunday, apprentice jockey Fraser Aebly has been quietly climbing the jockey standings at Woodbine. Despite a fall in Sunday's 7th race, Aebly has shown great potential and is expected to bounce back soon. Trainer Richard Morden has been a key supporter of Aebly, with the duo finding success together on the track.
Overall, Woodbine saw some impressive racing action over the weekend, with standout performances from jockeys like Rafael Hernandez and up-and-coming talents like Fraser Aebly. The track continues to attract large crowds and strong wagering numbers, making it an exciting time for racing enthusiasts in the province.