HAPPY "150TH" BIRTHDAY CANADA
2017/07/01
What A Day !!!!!
2014/09/21
I LOVE CANADIAN HARNESS RACING,FRIENDS OF WE CARE, GIDDY UP & GALLOP
What an awesome day!! Thanks to everyone! The BBQ, expertly grilled by Chaplain Ken Carter and compliments of Sydney Weaver & Cardinals Meats to our training centre for raising the most money for the “Friends of We Care” charity, was a delicious success and enjoyed by all. Mac & Carol were on hand to meet and greet the enthusiastic group from ILCHR where they enjoyed, on a sunny but windy day, the everyday aspects of what it takes to get a horse to the races. Kathy Wade Vlaar of Standardbred Canada did an outstanding job of organizing the group and the agenda for the outing. The group toured the barns, interacted with the trainers, caregivers and horses, observed yearlings being broke, which were just purchased from last Sunday’s sale, watched a horse enjoy the cold water spa and enjoyed a very informative and visual demonstration of a horse being shod by blacksmith Stephane Gauthier. Everyone-THANK YOU!!
"Happy Camper(s)"
2014/06/12
Congratulations! Thanks to the generosity of Mac & Carol and those from the training centre who gave and collected from family and friends, we achieved an outstanding donation of
$1,577.00 for the “Friends of We Care” Charity at the Giddy Up & Gallop 5K challenge at Mohawk. With such generosity for a very worthy cause it not only gave a disabled child or children the opportunity to go to summer camp but it won the training centre the Cardinal Meats and Sydney Weaver challenge for an onsite BBQ for the most money raised by a training centre. Well done everyone and a special thanks to Paul Cameron who represented us in the dash. To the kids who get to go to camp "have a great summer!!!!"
A “MARY” Gathering,
2013/05/28
Stake season has begun and even though the weather has not always cooperated that didn’t stop the bar-b-ques from being fired up. Mary Christopher, owner of horses under the care of Shaun McDonald and Andrew McCabe, organized and generously supplied a feast of burgers and homemade salads for all to enjoy. Scotty LeCain flipped the burgers while Anthony Montini added to the festivities supplying and cooking Italian sausage for the hungry mouths that gathered as the aromas wafted over the training centre. This is just the beginning of many get togethers and a great start to a memorable 2013 stake season. Let the racing begin, good luck to all.
OUT WITH THE OLD IN WITH THE NEW !!
2012/12/31
Wow, how time flies. Huge congratulations go out to Jeff Gillis and his team for a 2nd consecutive nomination of an O’Brien Award and the two horses under his care, Mister Herbie and Frenchfrysnvinegar, which also received nominations. As 2012 ends we say goodbye to the Colin and Corey Johnson Stable and wish them much success in their future endeavours, but say hello and welcome to Anthony Montini and staff, Shaun McDonald, Andrew McCabe and Staff. We wish all our patrons and fellow participants in the industry a prosperous and healthy New Year. Cheers and Good Luck racing!
Hat Trick Preferred
2012/01/08
Coming off a record year with 3.9 million banked and a nomination for an O’Brien Award for trainer of the year, Jeff Gillis remains on a roll. Sending out four charges last night at Woodbine, Gillis scored a hat trick with wins from Classic Alana, Illusionsndreams and millionaire pacer Mystician. His fourth entry, Smashbox, had to settle for 3rd while only being beat by a half a length. Colin Johnson, who also finished the 2011 season with a bang earning just under a million six and having a .312 average, has started 2012 on the right hoof winning two preferred races in the first week with trotter Mr. Genesis, 1:56.3 at Georgian and pacer Peenie 1:51.3 at Woodbine. Keep it going and congratulations to Jeff and his team for a very deserving nomination for the O’Brien. All the best in 2012 and to all, good luck racing!
Gillis sings "Oh Canada"
2011/05/29
“Jeff Gillis,” this season’s leading trainer, proved to have one of his star pupils’ right ready for the start of the 2011 Stake Season. On Saturday, May 28th “Mystician,” a 3 yr old pacing colt, in only his second start of the year, reigned victorious in the lucrative Georgian Down’s “Upper Canada Cup.” With her “Royal Majesty” in attendance “Mystician” put on a show by circling the field in a three-wide move racing to the finish in a career-best time of 1:50.2 while beating the field by six and three-quarter lengths. Now with six career wins including last year’s outstanding performance in the “Metro Pace” Mystician becomes one of the sports’ newest Millionaires. Congratulations to all the connections. We are looking forward to an exciting campaign. Best of Luck!!
One, Two, Three, Four....
2011/04/03
It was an outstanding performance in the Spring Pacing Championship, for horses racing from ITC “Where Your Horse Comes First,” second, third and fourth. Trained by Kevin McDermott Hypnotic Blue Chip in the last eighth of a mile swooped by Jeff Gillis trainees Lisagain (2nd) and Ideal Race (3rd) in a blistering last quarter of 27.1 to take the win while Schoolkids, trained by N Surick had to settle for fourth after leading to the half. Twin B Warrior, another trainee of Gillis, not being his usual self with that strong kick home finished eighth. Congratulations to all the connections for an exciting race.
"Gillis" Makin Bacon
2011/03/23
What do bacon and Gillis have in common you ask?? “They’re sizzling.” With just less than three months into the New Year “Gillis,” having managed to pull off two racing hat tricks in a night of racing at Woodbine, one in February and the other in March, has 28 wins on his card to date. Presently Jeff sits with just over $700,000.00 in earnings and an UTRS of .0365. With a stable full of exquisitely bred horses, a great crew, super training facility and many promising two year olds, Jeff and Sarah should be headed for another banner year. Congratulations on your win with “I Lady” in the Damsel Stakes and her equalling the stake record in 1:54.1. Just one more triumph in hopefully a stellar year.
"Jolly Good"
2011/03/21
Having a busy schedule operating two stables between here and Quebec has proven worthwhile for “Made in England” trainer “Colin Johnson,” wife Debbie and son Corey. On March 20th at Rideau Carleton Raceway, Colin was able to achieve what most horsepeople only dream of by recording his 3000th win and surpassing the $25 million mark in lifetime earnings. This is truly a milestone accomplishment and all of us at ITC would like to congratulate them and wish them continued success. We look forward to the 2011 schedule for your two year olds and the continued racing success of Warrawee Koine and other horses under your care.
WWW II
2011/01/23
Warrior Wins Willowdale Too! For the second consecutive year an ITC trainee has won the Willowdale Pacing Series held at Woodbine Racetrack. “Ideal Race” took the title in 2010 for trainer Tracy Brainard in a remarkable winter mile of 1:50.1 while “Twin B Warrior,” trained by Jeff Gillis and owned by our very own Mac Nichol, showed he was not going to be defeated by his rivals. With an 1/8 of a mile to go “Moose” tipped off cover for pilot Sylvain Filion and zoomed by his competitors in a final quarter of 27.1 to take the top prize. In just three starts back for his 4 yr old campaign “Warrior” has pushed his lifetime earnings over the half million mark. Congrats to Jeff, Mac and caregiver Brittney for a great start to a New Year.
In The Books.......
2011/01/01
As one chapter ends a new one begins.... With 2010 now in the books another successful and memorable year was enjoyed by the trainers and caregivers of “ITC.” We would like to thank them for their patronage and wish them continued success and well being in 2011. To everyone in the industry we extend our best wishes for 2011 as we look forward to an exciting new year of racing. A very special shout out to the connections of “Mystician” on his well deserved nomination for an “O’Brien” for having such an outstanding rookie campaign, hope you come home with the hardware.
Happy New Year everyone!
“Spirit of the Season”
2010/12/17
To celebrate another successful year for the training centre, our trainers and their caregivers got together for our annual Christmas Party and had a joyous and festive time,thanks in part to our industry’s suppliers. Carol and Mac would like to thank the individuals who service and supply the trainers at our site and for giving back to them. Thank you to “Bonnie Holland”/Tackmaster, “John Devine”/Wilson’s Tack, “Ken Fitzgerald”/Freelton Feeds, “Kristy” of The Sportsman Magazine, Dr. John Hennessey, and blacksmith “Adam Carter.” May everyone have a safe and Happy Holiday Season with much success racing in the New Year.
Hi Ho "Silver"
2010/11/16
Although the trainees competing in the Super Finals didn’t bring home the hardware they all put in impressive miles with three 2nd place finishes. Lady Jill finished 5th with her own mile in 1:53.2, while Sim Brown had a stellar performance leaving from PP10 to finish 2nd by a length in 1:55.3. Mystician put in an amazing mile weaving through traffic but was unable to get out finishing 4th. Twin B Warrior leaving from PP8 made the lead just before the half and fought off his rivals to the wire only to miss winning by a neck for 2nd money. Preppy Party Girl battled Western Silk to the wire to finish 2nd by a head, while Fbs Terror took home 5th in the blistering mile of 1:50.4. We congratulate all participants for making the finals and for an outstanding season.
Eight To The Gate
2010/11/13
Four of our trainers will send out eight charges in the lucrative O.S.S. Super Finals held tonight at Woodbine Racetrack. Jeff Gillis leads the pack with five beginning with,“Lady Jill” in the 2 yo fp “Sim Brown” in the 2 yo ct, “Mystician” in the 2 yo cp and the last two “Twin B Warrior” and “Code Word” will face off in the 3yo cp. Colin Johnson sends out “Some Mach Some Win” to compete in the 2yo cp. Erv Miller’s “Preppy Party Girl” challenges Mario Macri’s “Fbs Terror,” winner of last years’ Super Final, in the 3yo filly pace. We wish them all great success! “Bring Home The Gold”
Gillis "Trips" Out
2010/10/30
Not in poker either. Jeff Gillis put on a clinic last night at Woodbine by winning with all three of his entries. Stopping the teletimer in 1:54.1 in the 3rd was 2yr old pacing filly “Lady Jill” followed in the 4th with 3yr pacing filly
“Mi Amada” in a time of 1:53.2 while 3 yr old “Athleticlyinclined” wrapped up his night with a win in the 8th pacing her mile in 1:52.2. Jeff’s girls added some nice pocket change to his impressive year where, so far, he sits with an Udrs of 0.325 and winnings totalling $2,388,933.00. Already having his best year ever in his 16 years as a trainer, Jeff stands to increase his bankroll with two full months of racing left and the OSS Super Finals yet to come. Could three million be in the cards? Sure hope so ... Keep it going! Congrats to you, Sarah, your assistant trainers and caregivers.
Super Mario
2010/10/28
Sitting at tenth with 39 points in the OSS Gold standings, Fbs Terror the three yr. old pacing filly who won the Gold Super Final in 09’ leaves from PP1 in the fifth this evening at Woodbine for the final Gold series elimination of the year with hopes of securing herself a position in next week’s final and the overall Super Finals. After having had a slow start to her sophomore year for trainer Mario Macri, Fbs Terror turned things around in the Gold Final at Grand River Raceway finishing second over a sloppy track for regular driver Tony Kerwood. A finish in the top ten tonight secures a spot in next week’s final and with that, a chance to secure a spot in the Super Final on Nov. 13 for owners Mike Guierriero and partners in FB Racing Stable. Good luck to all her connections we’ll be cheering for you. Just Super, Mario!
Moose on the Loose
2010/10/28
Jeff Gillis, trainer of Twin B Warrior, has opted out of racing “Moose” on Saturday over London’s ½ mile oval for the final Gold elimination to race in an overnight at Woodbine. “Moose” a three year old Apaches Fame gelding has won his last three starts along with setting a personal best and tying the track record at Windsor in a mile of 1:50.3 while capturing that Gold Final win. Winner of last year’s OSS Grassroots Final, Twin B Warrior stepped up his game for his sophomore year under the great management of Jeff and caregiver Brittney to position himself second in the OSS Gold standings with 187 points, guaranteeing a spot in the November 13 Super Final Eliminations. “Moose” will see action leaving from PP2 in the second at Woodbine on Oct. 30th for owner Mac Nichol in hopes of increasing his already impressive lifetime earnings of $423,481. Go Moose Go!!
One, Two Punch
2010/09/26
Finishing first and second in the tenth race at Mohawk on Saturday, Mystician and Some Mach Some Win earned points positioning them first and second in the standings for the 2 yr old colt pace Gold series. “Mystician,” trained and co-owned by Jeff Gillis, made front by the half for driver Tim Tetrick and continued to fend off his eight rivals to the end, winning the Gold Final in a mile of 1:52.0. “Some Mach Some Win,” trained and co-owned by Colin Johnson showed his prowess after getting out in the flow for driver Brian Sears and making up four lengths in the last 1/8 of the mile to finish 2nd by a length with a speedy last quarter of 27.3. With only 8 lifetime starts, the Mach Three colt has bankrolled $95,000.00 for Colin and fellow owners Arthur Slack, George Harrison, and Fred Brayford. Congrats to Jeff, Colin and their teams for a great race.
"Ideal" Magic
2010/09/05
Congratulations to our very own Mac and Carol Nichol who co-own MYSTICIAN along with trainer Jeff Gillis, Ken Henwood and Gerald Stay for winning the $1,000,000.00 “Metro Pace.” Although it was a rainy cold night, the stars were all aligned for driver “JJ” who steered the Camluck, Mystic Mistress colt to victory while treating the bettors to a payout of $61.10. Mystician, who was purchased for $45,000.00 now sits with just under $700,000.00 earned with plenty of racing yet to come. Congratulations to “Brittney,” caregiver of Mystician, “Team Gillis” and Jeff and Sarah for continuing to develop champions. Continued success, what a year so far! Does this mean we have to call you Mr. Gillis??
The Midas Touch
2010/07/21
Gillis appears to have the Midas touch as of late. With just over six months into the year and much more racing to come, Gillis has bankrolled over $800K in purse winnings and sits with a .298 Udrs. Pretty impressive numbers achieved through hard work, good management of good horses and a team of great caregivers. In the past two weeks alone he has earned over $261K thanks in part to two of his trainees. On the trotting side, winning the Stanley Dancer in the fastest of three divisions “Hes A Demon,” a 3yo Muscles Yankee colt won in huge fashion at the Big M in 1:53.1. “Demon” who was lightly raced at two, so far shows great promise as a contender for his sophomore campaign. Another star, pacer “Twin B Warrior,” for his 3yo season alone has banked just under $212K and has a lifetime mark of 1:51.1 over Geodf. Affectionately known as “Moose”, he hopes to add to his earnings on Saturday at Mohawk where he leaves from pp8, 6th race for the final of the CBC. Best of Luck!
"Golden Boy"
2010/07/20
With the OSS Stake season just underway, Jeff Gillis is proving he has his pupils prepared and ready to go. Already with an impressive $167 thousand plus dollars banked and 47 points, Gillis stands at number seven on the leader board. On July 15th at Mohawk “Mystician,” a 2yo Camluck colt, left from pp6 made front for driver Double J then let the favourite go just after the 1/4. He was able to get through on the inside late and paced hard through the wire, winning handily his first GF in a mile of 1:52.1 with an impressive LQ of 27.2. Another star pupil in a star studded barn, “Luvumeanit,” a 2yoft by Herecomesherbie will go for the Gold in race #3 on Friday at Flamboro after winning her elim. in 2:02.3. In the RS 3yocp “What The Sheik” has accumulated 75 points and earnings of $18 K. “Twin B Warrior” sits with 37 points & $37,300. in the OSS program. Other notables to watch are Dr. Quinn, Athleticlyinclined, Sim Brown and Ja El Express. Team Gillis is off to a grrreat start. Congrats
Put the Barb-B on, “Stake” season has begun!!
2010/06/08
Well it’s that time of year again to stoke up the barbeque and celebrate the summer with “Stakes” season well under way and the OSS program beginning. Already, Twin B Warrior/Gillis, Ashton Seelster/Deters have posted wins in their eliminations of the Upper Canada Cup and the Youthful Pacing Series while Sam Swifty/Deters and Miss All Fun/Johnson garnered points in the 3yo pacing filly Grassroots division of the OSS. Twin B Warrior has started his sophomore campaign on the right hoof by posting a win and a second in the Upper Canada Cup along with a 2nd place finish in the Bud Light with earnings over a $140 K to start his year. We are looking forward to a great season from our trainers with many stake horses to go post ward. We wish you all the best!! Cheers!!
There's a New Kid in Town...
2010/06/05
Welcome Colin Johnson and family! Not really a kid or new to the business, Colin with more than seventeen years as a trainer has accumulated over twenty four million in purse earnings. Arriving April 15th along with wife Debbie, son Corey and a few horses, thus began their relocation from Quebec. The Johnson family now has a stable in Ontario of 23 horses with 11 of them two year olds preparing to compete in the OSS program. Since his arrival Colin has posted 5 Wins and numerous in the money finishes. We are proud to have them with us and look forward to watching their many successes. All the best from ITC.
You say good-bye and I say hello.....
2010/06/01
At the end of April, Tracy Brainard, Josh Marks, and Scott West said “good-bye,” packed up their wagons, saddled up their horses and made the journey back to their racing roots in Vernon for the summer meet, making room for trainer Colin Johnson (hello) to relocate. After having a remarkable year with over ten million in purse winnings and incredible horses they will be missed, we wish Tracy, Josh and Scott continued success. Congratulations to Josh on his 1000th driving victory, keep it going and hope to see you in the fall.
Oh To Be "Youthful"
2010/04/07
With just nine lifetime starts under harness, Ashton Seelster, a son of Camluck out of Angelina Seelster, won his division in the second leg of the series to earn a spot in the final of the Youthful Pacing Series to be raced on Friday April 9th at Woodbine. In an impressive mile of 1:52.1 with a speedy last quarter of 26.4 he draws post position six in a field of ten contenders. Lightly raced at two for owner Mac Nichol, Ashton entered his three year old campaign under the watchful eye of trainer Terry Deters and caregiver Jessica, which is proving to be a good fit with earnings over twenty five thousand in just four starts of 2010. We will be watching and wishing you success. Go Ashton Go!!
“Slims” A“head”
2010/02/04
Winning by a “head” in the 2nd leg of the Miss Vera Bars Pacing Series “Slimsplace,” parked from the half, switched gears at the head of the lane for pilot Randy Waples to post an impressive last quarter in 27.4. In a mile of 1:54.2 “Slimsplace” beat out odds on favourite “A Pippin Hanover,” a divisional winner in the 1st leg of the series, to register a perfect score. Two for two in the series for trainer Jeff Gillis, “Slim” is starting out her 3YO campaign on the right hoof. Good luck to her connections in the final and throughout 2010.
Congrats Team "Brainard"
2010/02/01
The people of ITC would like to acknowledge and congratulate Tracy Brainard, Josh Marks and their team for a "stellar year." As we all know, having one grand circuit horse is tough enough with the travel logistics and all the maintenance required to keep your horse sound throughout the entire stakes season; so to have a “barn full of stakes winners” with each of them racing at numerous venues across the continent, at any given time, through to the end of the season is more than remarkable. Your training, dedication and care of these spectacular athletes was proven by amassing over 10 million in purse monies and winning many of the major events. Truly amazing, we take our hats off to you!! Go Get Um in 2010. All the best of luck!!
"Slims" Pickin
2010/01/30
Driven to victory by Randy Waples, “Slimsplace” captured the win in her division in the first leg of the Vera Bars Pacing Series. Trained and co-owned by Jeff Gillis/Ellen Ott, the 3 yo Artsplace filly hung on by a "Nose" in a mile of 1:57.0 defeating a field of six on a very frosty evening with the temperature reading at -11C. The second leg of the series goes on Thursday, February 4th. Congrats Jeff and good luck.
An "IDEAL" Race
2010/01/25
Tracy Brainard continues her winning ways into 2010. “Ideal Race” a four year old son of Western Terror rocketed to the front out of the nine hole in a blistering quarter of .25 flat ahead of nine rivals and maintained the lead until the very end where Panmunjom slipped up the rail to take the win. An inquiry was quickly posted resulting in a placing, declaring “Ideal Race” the winner in 1:50.1 of the Willowdale Pacing Series. Owned by Bullet Proof Enterprises “Ideal Race” pushes his lifetime earnings over the $325,000.00 mark. Congratulations Tracy and team and the very best of luck at the “O’Brien Awards!! “
"Tracy Prevails"
2009/12/31
With the last day of the 2009 racing season at Woodbine over and in the books, Tracy has come out on top winning the “WEG Trainer of the Year.” Her two wins on December 28th put her out in front by one and with neither Ben nor herself being able to capture a win today, Tracy prevailed. An incredibly impressive year with 107 Wins and $4,668,672.00 on the WEG circuit alone certainly makes it a well deserved title. We congratulate you, Josh and your team and wish you continued success in 2010!! Hope you have your trophy case ready.....more to come!
"Down To The Wire"
2009/12/29
In the race to finish 1st for WEG’s trainer of the year, Tracy Brainard took over the lead from Ben Baillargeon by winning two of her dashes last night at Woodbine. Both Blue Suede Shoes and Did It Again went right to the front of the pack and never looked back winning their races and pushing Tracy‘s win stats out on top. With only one race date left at Woodbine, Tracy sends out two entries while Ben has four on Thursday’s card. Could this be a photo finish?? Go Tracy Go!!!!
Ho Ho Ho !!
2009/12/24
Season Greetings to all race fans and participants along with the trainers, caregivers and owners stabled at “ITC.” We thank you for a stupendous year and look forward to serving you in 2010. Have a Joyous and Safe Holiday. We wish you great health and prosperity in the New Year.
"Girl Power"
2009/12/23
Congratulations Tracy!! Not only are you a nominee for an “O’Brien Award” alongside Casie Coleman, another female trainer, but you make history with it being the first time two females will compete in the same category for this prestigious award. You Go Girl ! With a guaranteed win in the 3yo filly pace for one of your two outstanding fillies, “Not Enough or Yellow Diamond,” the possible win in the 3yo colt pace with “If I Can Dream” and your potential win for trainer could prove to be a night to remember. What a year!! We wish you all the best and congratulate you, Josh and your team on an outstanding year.
The Race Is On!!
2009/12/22
Tracy Brainard and Ben Baillargeon battle to the finish to see who will take top honours for WEG’s trainer of the year. Ben leads by only a nose after Tracy closed the gap scoring a hat trick in last nights’ races, making for a very competitive finish with only three race dates left before the end of the year. Tracy will send out eleven contenders between Dec 26 and 28 with Dec 31st card yet to be drawn. All we can say Tracy is “Good Luck” and get your trophy case ready!!!!
We're Back!!
2009/12/15
Our apology for the delay in updating the website. Being a new site we experienced some technical difficulties and were unable to keep you posted on all the great happenings, but it looks like we are good to go now...so stayed tuned. Remember no news is "good news."
"Go West Young Man"
2009/11/19
Travis Umphrey heads back to his roots in Alberta with “Blended Whiskey,” to race in the 1st elimination on Saturday, drawing pp5, in hopes at a chance to compete in next week’s final of the $100,000.00 Western Pace at Northlands Park. Blended Whiskey, a three year old son of Rambaran and winner of the OSS Grassroots Final is fresh off an impressive win, in a lifetime best of 1:51.1, at Woodbine and will certainly be a contender for owner Terry Hamilton of Lethbridge. We are very proud of Travis and “Whiskey’s” accomplishments, and although Travis has moved on, we wish him great luck and continued success.
“Boys on the Move”
2009/11/18
Stake races are not over for four of Bullet Proof’s 3yo boys trained by Tracy Brainard who are still on the move! In an attempt to add to their already impressive bankrolls for the year, “Schoolkids,” “Vertical Horizon,” and “Ideal Race” will contest the eliminations in the Matron on November 22 at Dover Downs DE, for a chance at making the finals on Nov. 29th. Over in Illinois, on Friday Nov. 20th, “If I Can Dream” will race over the half-mile for a purse of $225,000.00 in Maywood Park’s signature event, Windy Cindy Pace. We wish you great luck and continued success!!
"Piece of the Pie"
2009/11/16
Congratulations to all the other participants from ITC for making it to the finals in the OSS Gold Series Final. It has been a competitive year in all divisions and to bring home a piece of the pie is outstanding. Congrats to Ja El Express, Parlay, Power Off, and Higher and Higher. Sadly a costly break and a judges placing took One More Drink and Ideal Race out of the money. Great racing everyone.
"Eureka"
2009/11/15
"Struck Gold" Bullet Proof Enterprises and Tracy Brainard were impenetrable in the OSS Gold Series Final for the 3yofp division. With 5 entries in a field of eight contenders, Bullet Proof/Brainard took the top 5 honours, earning the entire purse of $300,000.00. “Shacked Up’ reigned supreme while Not Enough, Cheap Motel, Kabbalah Karen B, and Coming Late had to settle for 2nd,3rd,4th and 5th respectively. Dominating the 3yo filly classes this year, Brainard along with Josh Marks enjoyed other wins with two more of their 3yo fillies who raced over the weekend at Balmoral and Dover. “Yellow Diamond” took home the trophy in the American National and “Showherthemoney” win the final of the Matron. November 20th will see Shacked Up and Yellow Diamond competing to see who the slipper fits in the Cinderella Stake held at Maywood Park IL. Congratulations and keep it going!!!
"Gold Diggers"
2009/11/12
Eleven Stars from ITC go to the gate in the OSS Gold Finals on Saturday in hopes of grabbing the “Gold” ring. "Tracy Brainard" has 9 of those entries with 5 in the 3rd race, 3 in the 7th race and a lone contender in the 9th. Kabbalah Karen B, Cheap Motel, Shacked Up, Not Enough and
Coming Late will strut their stuff in the 3rd, One More Drink, Power Off and Ideal Race will perform in the 7th and Higher and Higher goes for the hardware in the 9th. "Jeff Gillis" has two performers going postward. Cruising towards the Gold for Gillis will be Ja El Express in the 5th and Parlay in the 8th race.
Good Luck to all and remember, smile for the camera!!!
"Progess"
2009/11/12
Schoolkids and Vertical Horizon both pupils of Tracy Brainard will compete in Dover’s signature event, the Progress Pace, on Sunday Nov.15th. Schoolkids, who win his division in the elims in 1:50.3, drew pp3 while Vertical Horizon who had a place finish in the elims draws the 5 hole. Good luck to Tracy, Josh and Bullet Proof.
Shanghai “ed” in New York
2009/11/09
Forced to tip three wide early in the mile, "Yellow Diamond," trained by "Tracy Brainard," put in an awesome race, cutting the mile to only get beat by a nose in 1:53.3 in the Lady Maud Pace. Shanghai Lil took the honours in a new track record at Yonkers for 3 yo fillies. Although the ‘dream’ was dashed for Yellow Diamond and her owners "Bullet Proof Enterprise," "If I Can Dream" did not disappoint. Leaving hard from the 3 hole and parked to the quarter made front and never looked back. Hard pressed at the three quarter pole with Clear Vision looking him in the eye, “Dream” switched gears and proceeded to produce the win in the 54th Messenger Stakes in a mile of 1:52.2. He’s not just a dreamer, he’s a winner with over a million six this year. Congratulations to Tracy, Josh, Scott and their team along with the owners' Bullet Proof, for having such fine athletes.
WIN WIN
2009/11/02
In an outstanding time of 1:52.1 over Rideau Carleton 5/8 mile oval, “Blended Whiskey” captured the title for 3yo c&gp in the OSS Grassroots Final. Trained by Travis Umphrey, under the watchful eye of caregiver “Shawna,” the gelded son of Rambaran had a solid performance for owner Terry Hamilton of Alberta. Having 29 lifetime starts, he has amassed a bankroll just shy of $201,000. with ten wins under his “girth.” Way to go Travis! Finishing third in the mile “My Gift To You,” trained by Jeff Gillis, in 42 lifetime starts has hit the board 37 times, with 16 of them being wins, accumulating just under $232,000. Gillis' other pupil, in a remarkable lifetime mark, won the 2 yo c&gp in a 1:53.3 mile. A true warrior, “Twin B Warrior,” prevailed even after being tested with a recall and took the Grassroots Final in a 4 length victory with a fast last quarter in 28.3. In just 4 lifetime starts he is proving himself to be a contender with earnings of $83,000 for owner Mac Nichol. Congrats!
OSS Grassroots Championships
2009/10/30
Four entries from ITC will contest the Grassroots Finals on November 1st at Rideau Carleton Raceway in an attempt to bring home the hardware. Scott West drew pp 7 in the eighth with “Play Right”, a Kadabra gelding owned by Scott and now under his training. Jeff Gillis sends out two entries, one in the 2yo cgp and the other in the 3yo cgp. Drawing pp2 in the ninth for owner Mac Nichol, “Twin B Warrior” will certainly be a force to be reckoned with having his last two wins coming over the same oval. In the tenth race Gillis leaves from pp6 with “My Gift To You” the winner of his semi-final division for owner Mark Ford. Rounding out the four entries from ITC is “Blended Whiskey,” a 3yo gelding by Rambaran for trainer Travis Umphrey and owner Terry Hamilton. He leaves from pp4 in race ten. Congratulations to all of you for making the finals and we wish all of you the best of racing luck! Bring home the pictures!!
Crowned
2009/10/30
Congratulations to “Team Brainard’ for your wins in the Breeders Crown Championships held last weekend at Woodbine Racetrack. “If I Can Dream” won his division of the 3yo c&g pace in a time of 1:51.1 while their other entry “Vertical Horizon” took third place, both for owners Bullet Proof Enterprises. Bullet Proof and team “Brainard” didn’t stop there as their filly “Yellow Diamond” won her division of the 3yo fp in a mile of 1:51.2, pushing her seasonal and lifetime earnings over the million dollar mark. Stable-mate “Shacked Up” finished with a respectable fourth, being beat only by 2H lengths with a fast LQ in 27.3. The next stop for two of these talented athletes will be south of the border at Yonkers Raceway. The fillies will race tomorrow in the eliminations of the Lady Maud Pace in hopes of advancing to the final. A win in the final, November 7th, would make “Shacked Up” one of the sports newest millionaires. Good Luck and keep the streak going!!!
Go for the Gold
2009/10/30
Hosted tonight at London’s Western Fair Raceway is the 2yo Gold Eliminations for colts and geldings, where Tracy Brainard has two entries. “Political Terror,” who is coming off an outstanding win in 1:52.3 at Woodbine for then trainer Paul Reid, leaves from pp4 in the third race while “Western Thorn” will leave from the 6 hole in the tenth. At Woodbine they are hosting the 2yo c&g Gold Eliminations and Jeff Gillis sends out trotter “Ja El Express” in the second race pp6. We’ll be rooting for you... Go get um!!!
If I Can Dream
2009/10/09
Another pupil from the Brainard stable is well on his way to going over the one million dollar mark for this season. Going to the gate on October 10th at the Red Mile in the Tattersalls 3YO CGP, a win would push him over that mark. With wins like the “2009 Confederation Cup” and his heat in the “Little Brown Jug” he is certainly one of the top 3 YO for the year.
Higher And Higher
2009/10/09
Coming off her latest win in the “International Stallion Stake for 2YO FP” in a remarkable time of 1:51.2 @ the Red Mile, she is well on her way to being one of the top 2 YO fillies of '09. She was broke, trained down and raced by trainer Paul Reid and is now racing out of the stable of Tracy Brainard. Both are top trainers of ITC…. Congratulations!!!
Parlay
2009/10/09
Although new to the stable of Jeff Gillis it appears they are a perfect match. With a 2 for 2 record, Parlay will go for the “Gold” on Friday at London in an OSS final. We wish you all the best.
Tracy Brainard
2009/10/09
With the 2009 meet at Mohawk Racetrack wrapping up on October 5, Tracy took the honours of leading trainer with an incredible total of $2,285,726.00 in purses and an outstanding number of wins. With 243 starts she achieved 46 wins, 36 seconds, and 40 thirds. Congratulations to her entire stable who make it happen. You go Girl!!!
|
