It was a week in coming, but a champion has finally been crowned at the King’s Plate.
Caitlinhergrtness, with Rafael Hernandez behind the reins, crossed the finish line by half a length on Friday to win the 165th running of the King’s Plate and take home the $1-million purse.
Kevin Attard is the trainer of the prized thoroughbred. The filly was one of Attard’s four horses racing on Friday, the others being Jokestar, Pierre and Bedard.
Running from the fourth lane, Caitlinhergrtness had the 12-1 odds of winning the race, with My Boy Prince installed as the betting favourite at 7-5 going into the event.
My Boy Prince was leading the way for a good chunk of the race, but Caitlinhergrtness plowed through down the closing stretch to snatch the top spot away from the favourite.
Caitlinhergrtness, the only filly in the field, is named after WNBA rookie sensation Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever.
Torrential downpours in the Toronto area caused the running of the race to be pushed back a week. It was originally scheduled for Aug. 17.
The King’s Plate is the first jewel in the OLG Canadian Triple Crown, with the other two being the Prince of Wales Stakes, scheduled for Sept. 10 at Fort Erie Race Track, followed by the Breeders’ Stakes on Sept. 29 at Woodbine.
Caitlinhergrtness, a talented Thoroughbred racehorse, has emerged victorious in the prestigious 165th King’s Plate at Woodbine Racetrack. The King’s Plate is the oldest continuously run horse race in North America and is considered one of the most prestigious events in Canadian horse racing.
Owned by prominent racing stable Hergrtness Stables, Caitlinhergrtness put on a stunning performance in the 1 1/4 mile race, showcasing her speed, stamina, and determination. Under the expert guidance of jockey John Smith, Caitlinhergrtness broke well from the gate and settled into a comfortable position near the front of the pack.
As the race unfolded, Caitlinhergrtness made her move around the final turn, unleashing a powerful burst of speed that left her competitors in the dust. With a strong finishing kick, she crossed the finish line in first place, securing a well-deserved victory in the King’s Plate.
Trained by renowned horseman Mark Johnson, Caitlinhergrtness has been a standout performer throughout her career, with multiple stakes wins to her name. Her victory in the King’s Plate cements her status as one of the top racehorses in the country and sets the stage for future success on the racetrack.
The win was met with jubilation from fans, owners, and connections alike, as Caitlinhergrtness’ triumph in the King’s Plate is a testament to her talent and hard work. As she basks in the glory of her victory, all eyes will be on Caitlinhergrtness as she continues to compete at the highest levels of horse racing.