Through the Lens: Wonder Gadot wins the Queen's Plate
The Queen’s Plate is Canada’s oldest thoroughbred horse race, having been founded in 1860. It is also the oldest continuously run race in North America.
With the Queen’s Plate being the first leg of the Canadian Triple Crown series and its history steeped in British Royalty, this race is a mix between the Kentucky Derby and the Royal Ascot, a whirlwind of top-notch racing and imperial pomp.
Let’s start with the main contenders. We visited in Mark Casse’s barn on Friday before race day. Telekinesis and Wonder Gadot presented as alert and curious
The weather was sunny, but temperatures in the mid 90s with high humidity levels posed significant challenges to the contenders. Water provided the much-needed cool down for all equines throughout the day
...and the mounted honour guard.
The Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Ontario, where Woodbine is located, is a vice regal representative of the Canadian Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, and tasked with carrying out most of the monarch’s ceremonial duties. As the current representative of the Queen in the Province of Ontario, Elizabeth Dowdeswell arrived in the royal carriage and seemed to enjoy the moment.
Last year’s Queen’s Plate winner, Holy Helena, here in the post parade for the Dance Smartly Stakes, with Luis Contreras up, went on to show in that race, beaten by 1 3/4 lengths.
On to the long-awaited Queen’s Plate: for many horses, the paddocks were a challenge with the assembled connections of the largest field in a race in North America, with 16 starters. Wonder Gadot stood out with her calm and focused demeanor
During the post parade, Wonder Gadot and jockey Johnny Velazquez appeared ready and focused
Wonder Gadot, for this race running with blinkers, broke well from the start and surges into stride, passing the grandstand for the first time
Wonder Gadot came out of the final turn toward the top of the field. She responded well as Velazquez asked her in the final stretch. Here, the Hall of Famer is seen checking on their followers as they near the wire.
Wonder Gadot won the 159th running of the Queen’s plate in dominating fashion.
Velasquez and Wonder Gadot are led by trainer Mark Casse.
In celebration of winning Canada’s most prestigious horse race aboard Wonder Gadot, Velasquez tosses petals from their garland.
...and displayed jubilantly by jockey John Velazquez
After a Wonder-ful performance, Wonder Gadot cools off before heading to Mark Casse’s barn, drawing an end to this year’s Queen’s Plate.