Hoss Talk

 This Sunday marks the 143rd running of North America's oldest horse race, the Queen's Plate at Woodbine in Ontario. And just as jockeys who ride in the U.S. dream of winning a Kentucky Derby, Canadian riders crave the Queen's Plate. 

 The odds of a jockey or horse from B.C. even making it to the Plate are almost impossible but it does happen. 

 In 1965, Duncan native Tak Inouye found himself up on Olivier Ranch's Whistling Sea. 

 "I was at (trainer) Roy Johnson's barn when the regular rider ... didn't show up. I worked the horse for him and later he asked me to ride that horse and he won," he said. 

 A week later he was again at the right place at the right time. Johnson entered Whistling Sea in the Woodstock Stakes at Woodbine. But his regular rider opted out for another mount in the race. Inouye got it. 

 "He not only won that race, a week later he won the Plate Trail and then the Queen's Plate. All within three weeks. It was truly a dream come true," said Inouye. 

 "I am often asked, do I plan my day around the Plate? Not really. I have missed the odd Queen's Plate for a good round of golf. To me it was wonderful but it's the past." 

 In 1969, East Vancouver native Wayne Harris rode Golden West Farms' Merger to victory in the Plate. 

 In 1990, Langley native Mickey Walls was the rage at Exhibition Park. That year he led all apprentice riders with 72 wins despite leaving for Woodbine with less than a quarter of the local season remaining. 

  In 1999, he rode Gus Schickenanz's Woodcarver to victory in the Queen's Plate. "That was an extra lucky day for me. I was booked to ride Receive the King in the next race after the Plate. Because management suggests the winning rider of the Plate book off the next race, I missed that ride." 

 His scheduled mount broke down in the race, injuring the jock. Despite a huge field for this year's Queen's Plate, former local jockey Jake             Barton has a great chance with the 3-1 Jam Jar Racing's Shaws Creek. 

 "His race in the Plate Trail, which he recently won, was awesome. With all of his natural ability to race just off the leaders, having 14 horses in the race      won't bother him. I think we can win it all," said Barton from the jockeys room at Woodbine. 

Tom Wolski can be seen on the Sport of Kings, 10 a.m. Saturday, CKVU 

                    twolski@shaw.ca 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Source: Vancouver Province
E-mail Tommy Wolski at twolski@home.com