On the 100th day of Woodbine’s 2024 meet, owner Robyn Brohman and trainer Saul McHugh celebrated their first stakes win with homebred mare Taquanyah, who claimed the $100,500 Eternal Search Stakes at 7 1/2 furlongs on the inner turf. It was a momentous day for Brohman and McHugh, marking the culmination of an eight-year partnership in racing. The stakes race, part of a breezy, well-attended day at Woodbine, was also the centrepiece of a Rosé Brunch supporting Look Good Feel Better Canada.
The six-year-old Taquanyah, sired by Silent Name out of Pretty Bird, was a contender in this Ontario-sired stakes race, having placed fourth last year. While the favourite, Olivia Rose, set a quick pace, Taquanyah, guided by jockey Leo Salles, was well-positioned along the rail. As the front-runners began to fade, Salles angled Taquanyah off the rail, and she surged down the stretch to finish in 1:30.04, outpacing Tito’s Calling and Talk to Ya Later.
Trainer McHugh, originally from Ireland, commended Taquanyah’s readiness despite limited races this season. “She’s easy to train and came in with fresh legs,” he said. Brohman, who co-bred Taquanyah, was thrilled, calling this win a milestone for their Hagersville, ON, farm, established in 2018. With five wins in 22 starts and earnings over $248,000, Taquanyah’s journey represents years of dedication and teamwork.