Explode's Canadian Derby win brings joy, pain

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Trainer Mark Cloutier was thrilled when Explode crossed the finish line a neck behind Journeyman in the Grade 3, $250,000 Canadian Derby last Sunday at Century Mile.

“I was so proud of the way Explode battled in the stretch,” Cloutier said.

Then he heard announcer Dan Jukich say the stewards were looking at the stretch run where Journeyman, under left-handed whipping by Dane Nelson, drifted out and repeatedly bumped Explode, ridden by Amadeo Perez.

“I knew there was a lot of bumping in the stretch, but from where I was I couldn’t tell which horse was doing what,” he said. “You never know what to expect, so I didn’t get my hopes up too high. I almost went into shock when they moved him up to first. There was lots of emotion, especially from Amadeo, who was surrounded by his family. It was a wonderful moment for everyone, especially Ole and Lynn.”

He was referring to Ole and Lynn Nielsen of Canmor Farms, who purchased Explode for $2,500 out of the 2016 Keeneland November sale.

Cloutier said Explode came out of the race in excellent shape and would be pointed to the Grade 3, $250,000 British Columbia Derby on Sept. 7 at Hastings.

“He was bouncing around the barn area when we got back to Hastings, so we’ll just keep him bubbled up and aim for the derby.”

The result of the 2017 Canadian Derby is still being disputed, but there will be no appeal of the stewards’ decision by the connections of Journeyman, who races for Godolphin and is trained by Eoin Harty.

“It was a tough loss, but I can’t argue with the decision,” Harty said.

Harty wasn’t sure where Journeyman would make his next start.

“He’s a bit scraped up but otherwise fine,” he said. “He just arrived at Arlington Park. Call me back in a few days, and I’ll know more about where he’s going. The B.C. Derby is not out of the question.”

Heavily favored Final Jeopardy finished third after getting off to a rough start. Trainer Phil Hall said he came out of the race in good shape and is being pointed to the B.C. Derby.

CTHS Sales Stakes featured

Friday’s seven-race card at Hastings features a couple of $50,000 CTHS Sales Stakes for 3- and 4-year-olds.

Northern Graystar will be a short price to win the fillies division, which drew six. She is trained by Glen Todd.

Weekend Wizard, last year’s B.C. Derby runner-up for trainer Craig MacPherson, will be a prohibitive favorite in the colts and geldings division. He is currently trained by Tim Rycroft.

Backstretch raid outrages some

MacPherson was one of many people shocked by the way officers from the Canadian Border Services Agency conducted a raid on the Hastings backstretch Monday morning. Twenty-six foreign workers reportedly were apprehended.

One of MacPherson’s grooms, David Tapia, was hauled off in handcuffs. According to MacPherson, Tapia has been licensed by the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (similar to a racing commission) since he started working for MacPherson five years ago.

“I issue him a T4 every year and he pays taxes,” MacPherson said. “He’s a great person who works hard and uses the money to help his family back home. It brings tears to my eyes to think about how he was treated.”

MacPherson said he has tried to get in touch with Tapia through border services but wasn’t allowed.

“It’s frustrating,” he said.

David Milburn, president for the local Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, said the operation was conducted by the Canadian Border Services Agency in coordination with the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch.

“There were twenty immigration officers, and they were very aggressive,” Milburn said. “It was like we weren’t in Canada for a moment. The acted like they were arresting murderers, bank robbers, and gang members. It was a dark day for Canada.”

Officials from GPEB and border services would not comment on the raid.