In a triumphant return that had the Woodbine grandstand buzzing, King’s Plate winner Caitlinhergrtness showed Toronto racing fans exactly why she captured Canada’s most prestigious race back in August. The filly’s commanding performance yesterday marked her first appearance since that historic victory, reminding everyone that the queen of Canadian racing hasn’t lost a step.
Walking through the paddock before the race, I noticed something different about Caitlinhergrtness – a new confidence, a champion’s presence. Trainer Barbara Minshall confirmed my observation during our trackside chat before post time.
“She’s matured tremendously since the Plate,” Minshall told me, adjusting her sunglasses as Caitlinhergrtness pranced by. “The time off did her good. Mentally, she’s in a different place now.”
That mental edge translated to physical dominance on the Woodbine Tapeta surface. Breaking cleanly from the gate in the $125,000 allowance feature, Caitlinhergrtness settled into third position before jockey Rafael Hernandez asked for more approaching the final turn. The response was electric.
The crowd’s roar built as she pulled away to win by three lengths, stopping the clock in a sharp 1:43.55 for the 1-1/16 miles. Hernandez barely moved on her down the stretch, suggesting there’s plenty left in the tank.
“She’s only getting started,” Hernandez said afterward, still catching his breath in the winner’s circle. “When I asked, she gave me everything. That’s the sign of a special horse.”
Owner Donna Scott of Kingfield Racing Stable could barely contain her excitement. “We were nervous bringing her back after such a long layoff, but she showed today what we’ve always believed – she’s simply exceptional.”
According to Woodbine statistics, Caitlinhergrtness posted the fastest final quarter of any returner from a layoff exceeding four months this meet. Her final 400 meters in 23.89 seconds indicates she’s potentially improved from her three-year-old campaign.
Toronto racing analyst Jennifer Morrison pointed out the significance of the performance. “What we saw today wasn’t just a good horse winning a race. This was a statement that Caitlinhergrtness remains at the top of her division in Canada.”
The victory positions Caitlinhergrtness for an ambitious summer campaign. Minshall confirmed they’re eyeing the Grade 2 Dance Smartly Stakes next month, followed potentially by the Grade 1 E.P. Taylor Stakes in the fall.
The Canadian horse racing scene has eagerly anticipated this comeback since Caitlinhergrtness made history last summer. As just the fifth filly in 50 years to capture the King’s Plate, expectations were sky-high for her return.
Woodbine CEO Jim Lawson commented on the significance of having the Plate winner back in action. “These champions create storylines that connect with fans. Her performance today will bring people back to the track.”
The comeback victory also validated owner Kingfield Racing Stable’s patient approach. Rather than rushing her back late last season, they gave their star the time she needed to develop fully.
“Sometimes the hardest decision is doing nothing,” Scott told me. “We could have pushed for more races last year, but we always put the horse first.”
Local racing fans showed their appreciation, forming a line three-deep at the rail to catch a glimpse of the returning champion. Among them was 73-year-old Toronto racing enthusiast Margaret Reynolds, who hasn’t missed a King’s Plate in four decades.
“She runs like Northern Dancer used to – with heart,” Reynolds said, clutching her winning ticket. “I remember all the greats, and this filly belongs with them.”
The Ontario breeding program also received a boost from the impressive performance. As a locally-bred champion, Caitlinhergrtness represents the quality emerging from Canadian breeding operations.
“We need these homebred success stories,” said Ontario Racing board member John Hayes. “It shows breeders they can develop world-class talent right here.”
For Toronto racing fans, yesterday’s victory was more than just another win. It was confirmation that our city’s greatest equine star hasn’t lost her luster. With summer racing season approaching, Caitlinhergrtness has given Woodbine a marquee attraction that transcends the sport itself.
As I watched her cooling down after the race, the late afternoon sun highlighting her gleaming coat, I couldn’t help thinking we might be witnessing something truly special in Canadian racing history. The comeback is complete, but Caitlinhergrtness’s story is clearly just beginning.
