Hoss Talk

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Wow, what an afternoon of racing on Saturday at Hastings.

Not only did sporting fans have great weather to see many of the best three year-olds performing in the $250,000 B.C. Derby, there was also perhaps the finest group of older horses seen in recent years racing in the co-featured $50,000 Sir Winston Churchill.

Added to this all-star racing card was the $50,000 B.C. Derby Consolation race.

On the human side of the business, those in attendance had a chance to witness horse racing royalty at its finest, when Hall of Fame jockey Russell Baze rode two races on this all-star day of thoroughbred horse racing.

And there was a chance to watch one of Canada's rising stars, locally-based red hot apprentice jockey Justin Stein. Stein continued his journey towards capturing a 2005 Sovereign Award for Top Apprentice Jockey in Canada.

In the Sir Winston Churchill, Grasshopper Stable's Flamethrowintexan opened up an early lead under the guidance of Emerald Downs jockey Ricky Frazier and cruised to an easy victory.

"This was an awesome effort by Tex," said Frazier. "He just loves racing here at Hastings. I sure will be looking forward to riding him in the $100,000 Premiers Handicap run in October at Hastings."

In the B.C. Derby Consolation, Canmor Farm and Tracy McCarthy's Notis Otis won in impressive style with Stein notching his fourth winner of the day.

For McCarthy, it was an emotional victory in many ways. "A few months ago, Otis was hit by a serious viral infection, which almost cost him his life," said McCarthy.

"Because of that we missed several races that prevented him from entering into this year's B.C. Derby. I have to thank Hastings management for adding a consolation race to their Derby Day card."

Hall of Fame

Among the highlights on Saturday's card was the appearance of Hall of Fame jockey Russell Baze, who ranks second to Laffit Pincay in lifetime winners with 9,057.

"A lot of people do not realize that I was born right here in Vancouver at Vancouver General Hospital," said Baze.

"My parents were horsemen then at Exhibition Park."

As for becoming the winningest jockey of all time?

"It is something I try not to think about," said Baze. "Will it happen? If I stay healthy and sound, it could happen. There are still a few more good years left in this tank."

twolski@shaw.ca

Tom Wolski can be seen on The Sport of Kings at 11 a.m., Saturdays, on CityTV.

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