Special Forces holds a special place in Kevin Attard’s heart. The 6-year-old gelding just doesn’t know quit. No matter what happens, the big red horse is in the pitching. The flow of races and the way he runs hasn’t always worked out to his benefit. He has a litany of second-place finishes in major races at Woodbine. But after missing all of 2020, and having only two … [Read more...] about A “Special” Horse Triumphs. Finally.
Mighty Heart
Mighty Heart Celebrates Canada Day
Back at the barn, Mighty Heart prepares for another race: laid out in his stall, snoring. His neighbours stick cotton in their ears. The racket he makes while he sleeps is rather normal for the horse they affectionately call Willie. In his slumber, his legs move, dreaming of the fun he will have after the starting gate bursts open. In the hours before his race, the Dominion … [Read more...] about Mighty Heart Celebrates Canada Day
Mighty Heart is Back
Mighty Heart thrives on being an underdog. It’s so Canadian. One-eyed. Smallish indeed, beside his peers. Recognizable with that hood adorned with a bubble and that way of running low, sticking his neck out for the wire. His heart is always in the right place. Well, he’s back. He makes his 2021 debut at home in the Dominion Day Stakes at Woodbine … [Read more...] about Mighty Heart is Back
Mighty Heart’s Date with History
Mighty Heart has become a bit of a locomotive in the Canadian racing world, the little man’s folk hero, the little engine that could. On Saturday, he will attempt to become the 13th Canadian Triple Crown winner, a good omen, considering that he broke from post 13 in the Queen’s Plate last month, and was listed at odds of 13 to 1. The one-eyed wonder is the … [Read more...] about Mighty Heart’s Date with History
The beat of a Mighty Heart, 2020 Style
Thirty seconds after Woodbine race announcer Robert Geller finished calling the 161st Queen’s Plate on Sept. 12, a big, fat spider marched in by his window, and plunked himself down in front of him. “I guess he was out watching the race,” Geller said. The arachnid was probably as astonished as the rest of us. It’s 2020, after all. “Come on, Robert,” the … [Read more...] about The beat of a Mighty Heart, 2020 Style