You hear an article by Canadian Thororbred.com. Patches O'houlihan provides Saisond debut in Thorncliffe Stakes from: Chris Lomon, Woodbine | .
Patches O'houlihan, Canada's newly crowned horse of the year, will make his five-year debut in the $ 100,000 in Thorncliffe Stakes on Sunday, a 5½-veneer main stretch test for four-year and up in Woodbine.
The Frank Di Giulio Jr. Homebred, trained by Hall of Famer Robert Tiller, who was trained by the Hall of Famer Robert Tiller, also received the master male sprinter title from the recent sovereign awards, who celebrated Canada's 3024 playmaster.
The Bay Wallach won four out of five starts last year, including three graded operations, which were highlighted by the Nearctic (G2). His lonely defeat came in Kennedy Road (G2), where he ended only three quarters of one length behind Nobal, the winner of the 2023 Breeders' cup.
“It's great,” said Di Giulio about the recognition of the horse of the year. “I thought he had a good chance to win it and I thought he deserved it, but I wouldn't allow myself to go there. I am very proud and very cheerful.
“I thought when he won his last race, he was a child's play. When he lost this race, even though he ran very well and had the one-hole, I thought it had taken away a bit, but I think people respected the race that he ran and that he lost to a very good horse.”
Patches O'houlihan-Er became dodgeball after the RIP drawing in the comedy film: a true outsider story named indicated signs of what would come when he started his career in September 2022 and recorded a 4 ½-length victory at 5½ Furlongs above the main line from Woodbine.
In his three -year debut, Di Giulio first saw signs of patches O'houlihan's first -class potential.
Di Giulio vividly remembered the moment: “We led him in a 5 ½ furgong non-winner of two optional races organized by Ontario. He won 9 ¾ lengths in 1:03[.09] And it was totally surprised. He won his first start at two and had to be continued after his second start. So I hadn't expected to come out how he was by three years elderly in his first race – this kind of blew me away. “
There would be more such reactions for Di Giulio, one of the most prominent and successful owners and breeders in the country.
Between May and September 2023, the patches O'houlihan achieved six victories.
“When he won his second stakes race, the Lake Superior in July 2023, six Furlongs and it was so uncomplicated, he did not look out of place with the nominated companies, and we decided to try him there, although it was against older horses, he could do that he could do it, and it was a good horse, had a brilliant future.”
He also developed a powerful supporter that pulled comparisons with Pink Lloyd, the eight-time sovereign winner and 2017 Horse of the Year in Canada, which Di Giulio had in common under the stable banner of the Entourage stable.
“I know it is being shown.
With a record of 11-1-0 from 14 starts and $ 696,490 ($ 943,540) in wallet income, patches o'houlihan, once against the winter on the farm of Paul Buttigieg, about 50 minutes north of Woodbine, spent winter.
“Bob [Tiller] Thinks that it is larger and stronger than ever and almost never works. Hopefully he will have a good year.
“We thought about sending him from the city to his last start last year -he was in the entries in Turfway -but the more we thought about it, the more we realized that it wasn't the best for him. He went to the farm sound and came back so that we were comfortable to make the right decision.”
Patches O'houlihan achieved a trio of four-fur brisen in front of the Thorncliffe, including A: 45.20 efforts on April 25.
Di Giulio is looking forward to that his sprint superstar will get his campaign.
“I really enjoy seeing him race. You know that he always appears – he is very real and he always tries. It is nice to have confidence in him in a race.”
Di Giuli's son Luke compared the horse to a current NHL star.
“I would go with (Colorado Avalanche striker) Nathan Mackinnon because he is quick and unstoppable when he gets momentum – and he is built like a truck.”
The long -time groom Clifford Knight has a special connection to the horse.
“It [watching him race] is the biggest feeling of the world, “said Knight.” I'm not nervous, but every time I look at him, it is like the first time I see him race. It makes me so cheerful. Everyone loves this horse. Many people call me “patches” and that makes me smile. “
Sofia Vives, who recently acquired her second Champion apprentice sovereign Award for Champion apprentice, will be on board the Thorncliffe again.
Multiple Graded Stakes Winners Filo di Arianna (BRZ), Who was crowned Canada's Champion Male Turf Horse for 2024, and Flag of Honor (from), Graded Stakes Winner Ironstone, Graded Stakes Placed I'm A Gambler (Irish), and Stakes-Placed Runnin 'Rocket, Round Out The Field.
Last year, the sweets overloaded by Patrick husband won the race.
The Thorncliffe is on the 10th race on Sunday race 9. The effective menu for the race includes the Rolling Double, Concasta, 0.20 trifecta, 0.20 Superfecta and 1 US dollar. The first postal period is 1:05 p.m.
Field for the 100,000 US dollar Thorncliffe Stakes
Post – Horse – Jockey – Trainer
1 – I am a player (IRE) – Pietro Moran – Kevin Attard
2 – Arianna Wire (BRZ) – Sahin Civaci – Markings
3 – Patches O'houlihan – Sofia Vives – Bob Tiller
4 – Ironstone – David Moran – Army Willie
5 – Honorary flag (from) – Ryan Munger – Julia Carey
6 – Runnin 'Rocket – Rafael Hernandez – Martin Drexler
