Mansetti Shines in Clarendon Stakes

Sunday brought mixed emotions at Woodbine Racetrack. Al and Bill Ulwelling’s juvenile colt Mansetti claimed a decisive victory in the $150,000 Clarendon Stakes, a significant win for trainer Kevin Attard and jockey Leo Salles. The 2-year-old, named after the owners’ favourite pizza shop, bounced back from a lacklustre second start, securing the Ulwellings’ third stakes win this year. 

For Attard, this marked his 13th North American stakes win in 2024, with 11 at Woodbine. With record earnings this season, thanks partly to Moira’s Breeders’ Cup success, Attard is a strong contender for his first Sovereign Award as Outstanding Trainer. 

Salles celebrated the win amidst a challenging day, having received a 17-day suspension for interference during a previous race. The ruling cited his actions aboard Whiskey N Ice, which led to a chain-reaction fall in a November 22 race. 

The day also featured bittersweet moments for trainer Devon Gittens. While his new charge Duval Street won a claiming race, his personal runner Tunechi suffered a severe injury early in his race and is now fighting for survival. Once a promising colt with strong performances in graded stakes, Tunechi’s future remains uncertain. 

In a happier moment, 11-year-old veteran Lapochka was honoured in the winner’s circle as he retired after an 84-race career with 20 victories. The gelding, celebrated by fans and Woodbine staff, will now transition to a new career through LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement.