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!!!
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