The Mohawk Million and Metro Pace are vital fixtures in Standardbred racing, designed to showcase the sport's upcoming champions. Since its inception in 2020, the Mohawk Million has emerged as a marquee event alongside the more established Metro Pace, which has been thrilling fans since 1988. Both races will take place at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Saturday, September 21, with a special post time of 6:30 p.m. for what is dubbed "Canada’s Richest Night of Racing," featuring five stakes finals.
Bill McLinchey, Vice-President of Standardbred Racing at Woodbine Entertainment, emphasised the significance of hosting a million-dollar race in today’s racing landscape. "Anytime there's a $1 million race, it's important not only for Mohawk’s racing, but for the entire racing industry -- whether it be the breeders, trainers, drivers -- we don't have as many million-dollar races as we used to," he stated. The Mohawk Million and Metro Pace aim to draw exciting new talent while supporting the wider racing community.
Early on, securing enough participants for the Mohawk Million proved challenging. In its first year, only nine slots were sold at $100,000 U.S., which created uncertainty for future tournaments. To address these concerns and enhance participation, organizers made significant adjustments: they reduced the entry fee to $50,000 in Canadian dollars and increased the purse to $500,000. This strategic move resulted in a successful recruitment of 21 buyers for slots this year, illustrating a marked improvement in interest and engagement.
Moreover, the 2024 edition sees all 10 slots available for purchase, which is a few notable changes from last year’s structure, leading to optimism for another star-studded race. "We weren’t sure in past years that it was going to fill, so having phenomenal horses like Venerable in 2021 and T C I last year really showcased the drama and excitement of the event," McLinchey reflected.
T C I, trained by Ron Burke, exemplified this potential last year by overcoming a 15-length deficit to win, a remarkable feat in a high-stakes environment. The Metro Pace also has a stellar reputation, serving as a vital proving ground for bright new talent in the sport. "The Metro is what I would say the marquee race for two-year-old pacing colts, where you get to show off the rising stars," McLinchey noted, hinting at the possibility of a future North America Cup contender emerging from this year’s race.
Historical examples like Rocknroll Hanover, who clinched the Metro title and went on to dominate both as a racehorse and a sire, underscore the significance of this race. Rocknroll Hanover’s illustrious career included earnings exceeding $3 million and a lasting legacy as a leading stallion.
Both races are complemented by additional stakes finals, including the Canadian Trotting Classic, Elegantimage, and Shes A Great Lady. While the Mohawk Million and Metro Pace take centre stage, McLinchey believes every race on the card offers competitive excitement. "I feel we have the best horses, best trainers and best drivers, all on one race card," he expressed.
For the young horses participating, this event is akin to a professional sports championship. "This is like their World Series," McLinchey concluded, encapsulating the weight of this pivotal evening for the next generation of harness racing stars. As fans, trainers, and participants gather for this thrilling night, anticipation builds around who will emerge as the next superstar in the world of Standardbred racing.