Pietro Moran secured a remarkable victory at Woodbine Racetrack, riding Mansetti to a commanding win in the prestigious $1-million King’s Plate. Moran, a 20-year-old apprentice jockey and the leading jockey at Woodbine with 65 wins this season, crossed the finish line in 2:03.68. This triumph marked Moran’s second Plate appearance, following his fourth-place finish last year on Pierre.
The race had a unique twist as Pietro Moran competed alongside his father, David Moran, who rode eighth-place finisher William T. in the 13-horse field. This historic event marked the first time in King’s Plate history that a father and son duo participated in the race.
Notably, Pietro Moran’s victory also brought glory to Kevin Attard, the champion trainer of Canada, earning him his third Plate victory and second consecutive win. Mansetti, the 18-1 underdog, finished ahead of Tom’s Magic and Notorious Gangster.
Reflecting on Pietro Moran’s achievement, Attard expressed pride in the young jockey’s performance, highlighting his talent and potential for future success. Attard’s successful day continued with wins in other races, including the Grade 2 bet365 King Edward Stakes and the bet365 Soaring Free Stakes.
Mansetti’s dominant performance saw the horse lead from the start, maintaining a comfortable lead throughout the race. The victory marked Mansetti’s third win in five starts this year, bringing the horse’s total career earnings to over $855,000.
Looking ahead, Attard hinted at a possible entry for Mansetti in the $400,000 Prince of Wales Stakes, the next leg of the Canadian Triple Crown. The trainer emphasized the significance of potentially pursuing a Triple Crown victory, a feat not achieved since Wando in 2003.
In another thrilling race, She Feels Pretty emerged victorious in the $750,000 E.P. Taylor turf event, securing a spot in the $2-million US Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf. The favorite, ridden by John Velazquez, narrowly held off Diamond Rain to claim the win in the 1 1/4-mile race.
Despite encountering challenges during the race, Velazquez praised She Feels Pretty’s determination and ability to secure the win. Ready for Shirl and Venencia completed the top finishers in the event.
Notably, Caitlinhergrtness, the ’24 Plate winner, aimed to make history by clinching the E.P. Taylor-Plate double but finished fifth behind the leading contenders, She Feels Pretty and Diamond Rain.
The E.P. Taylor event was rescheduled to coincide with the King’s Plate due to upcoming upgrades to the E.P. Taylor Turf Course, adding an extra layer of excitement to the day’s racing events.