BC Racebook Newsletter - October 18, 2022

“Only ONE more Race Date at Hastings Racecourse”

A Trip Down Memory Lane – Great Moments from 2022

Scott Williams & Steve Henson Lead Growing Support Group of Apprentice Fraser Aebly.png

Sharing Selections for Simulcast Coverage Photo Michael Bye.png

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“Remembering One of Their Own” L-R: Chad Hoverson, Chris Loseth, Richard Hamel. Photo Ralph Bower

HASTINGS RACING SEASON CONCLUDING IN GRAND STYLE

By Greg Douglas – Dr. Sport

Talk about a grand finale. The curtain closes on BC’s thoroughbred racing season at Hastings Racecourse Saturday October 22 with drama at every turn leading into the home stretch.

Both the Pick 5 and Pick 6 carryover pools offer mandatory payouts on a robust card that includes a pair of $50,000 stakes: the Fantasy for two-year-old fillies and Ascot Graduation for two-year-old colts and geldings.

Adding to Saturday’s frenzy, the eventual winners in both the Leading Owner and Leading Trainer categories will be determined as two of the closest competitions in recent history come down to the wire.

Tod Mountain Thoroughbreds share the lead with Rob and Sheena Maybin in the owners’ standings with 15 wins each with defending champ Willow Creek Farms (12) still in the running. Meanwhile, Edgar Mendoza (38) and Barbara Heads (37) are about to complete a season-long head-to-head battle for leading trainer honours.

Having nailed three wins this past weekend, Amadeo Perez added to his cushion in the Leading Jockey category with 71. It will be his fifth career trip to the podium as Hastings’ top rider.

With the conclusion of the 2022 thoroughbred season at Hastings, the standardbreds continue running at Fraser Downs Racetrack on a Sunday afternoon/Monday evening schedule during October, November and December beginning October 23.

Tommy’s Very Own “Rat Pack” L-R: John Teti, Bruce Allen, Tony Tanti, Manny Sobral, Jim Byrnes, Ron Teti, Greg Douglas, Wally Oppal. Photo Ralph Bower

TOM WOLSKI TRIBUTE CREATES TOUCHING MOMENTS

Emotions were running high at the tribute to the late Tom Wolski this past Saturday at Hastings Racecourse. The former jockey and long-time Vancouver media personality passed away in January 2020 after suffering a massive heart attack while visiting family in Naples, Florida.

Fellow riders and backstretch workers as well as trainers and owners along with a multitude of close friends and admiring fans joined the celebration following the race in “Tommy’s” memory. Fittingly, it was won by Mr. and Mrs. R.J. Bennett’s Synergy (meaning teamwork) trained by Barb Heads and ridden by Antonio Reyes.

With legendary track photographer Ralph Bower on hand for the special occasion, ex-jockeys Chad Hoverson, Chris Loseth and Richard Hamel huddled around the Wolski memorabilia table in front of the winner’ circle for a souvenir picture.

Another moving moment came when one-time rider Gerry Brownell, now a valet and clocker at Hastings, presented former BC Attorney General – The Honourable Wally Oppal - with Tommy’s saddle. Mr. Oppal was overcome by the gift. “I never did get an opportunity to thank Brownie for such a wonderful gesture,” he said. “It happened so quickly I was caught off guard. Tom Wolski has literally been part of my family for as long as I can remember.”

Those same words were echoed by the likes of entertainment agent Bruce Allen, international rhythm & blues musician Jim Byrnes and the Teti brothers, John and Ron, who first met Wolski at their popular restaurant Puccini’s back in the 1970’s. Included as part of Saturday’s tribute were former Vancouver Canucks’ star Tony Tanti, former Canadian Olympic boxer Manny Sobral and guest decorator Paul Chapman, Deputy Editor at Postmedia, the newspaper exec who played such a major role in the return of the Hastings Racecourse entries to the pages of The Province this season.

It was a labour of love for me to work on the ‘Remembering One of Our Own’ tribute but it could not have come together like it did without the help and input from so many others.

Sincere thanks to the Hastings staff that included Ryan McCartney, Joan Skerry, Manoj Haley; Nichelle Milner and Scott Henson from the Racing Office; track announcer Dan Jukich; trainers Dave Milburn and Pat Jarvis; Lisa Russell, Debbie Peebles and Dee Douglas, as well as BC Racebook’s Matthew Ruhlman and Emma Lee.

Rest assured Tommy was watching from the great grandstand above contemplating his latest edition of Hoss Talk.

The Tom Wolski memorial race was celebrated by winning connections, friends and colleagues.

BAILEY ON THE BACKSTRETCH

By Bailey Williams

As closing day of our Hastings racing season approaches, it seems an ideal time to reflect on some of the growth within the racing community that became so apparent as this 2022 meet progressed.

Each story I had the privilege of sharing did not end with the final paragraph I penned.

The first had a fairy tale “feel good” conclusion. Shortly after I was introduced to Nicole Rycroft and Bluegrass Angus (Gus), the pair started what would be his final season as a racehorse with a win on his 10th birthday, no less. Gus went on to have a 2-1-1 record in five starts.

After his runner-up effort back in August the entire backstretch community was delighted to learn that this eight-year bond between groom and horse was just getting started when Gus was gifted to Nicole to live out his retired years as a life-long friend and companion.

Another bright light shone on the season with new owners WYN Racing. The stable was formed in honour of the late Donna Kopp, known as a sister, mother and granny to those who have pledged to continue her legacy. Star filly Kloepatra went on to have a stellar campaign, including a convincing victory in the BC Hong Kong Jockey Club Handicap.

While the win itself was memorable, the post-race interview had the Kopp family fighting back tears as racing fans tuned in were witnessing first-hand the true thrill and raw emotion that comes with being involved with these spectacular equine athletes.

A final story I want to share is about the next generation … the up-and-comers of our industry. The central figure here is Riley Noble, whom I met and chatted with about what it is like to be the groom of the superstar mare Infinite Patience.

We talked about Riley’s racing aspirations going forward and shortly after he became the owner of 2-year-old filly Better With Time. That is a huge step for a young enthusiast but it is not where the story ends. In fact, it is just beginning. On the 14th of October Riley wrote and passed his trainer’s test, meaning his future as a new owner and trainer couldn’t be more exciting.

It has been an honour to share some of these behind-the-scene stories with you through Bailey on the Backstretch. I consider it an absolute privilege.