King’s Plate 2025: Jockey Pietro Moran takes Mansetti to upset victory
?q=100)
ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Longshot Mansetti proved to be a memorable winner of the 166th running of Saturday’s $1 million King’s Plate by giving 20-year-old Pietro Moran, Woodbine’s popular leading rider, his first win in Canada’s most prestigious race.
Scorching broke on top in the 1 1/4-mile Tapeta route before Mansetti moved up along his inside to take the lead on the first turn while setting a fast pace. Mansetti opened a clear lead entering the far turn and had a four-length cushion in midstretch before coasting home on top by 2 1/2 lengths, in a time 2:03.68.
American shipper Tom’s Magic had a four-wide trip from the back of the pack and rallied stoutly through the stretch to finish second. Notorious Gangster closed for third and Scorching faded to fourth. Completing the order of finish were Dewolf, Faber, Watsonville Red, William T, the filly No Time, Runaway Again, Sedburys Ghost, Mythical Man, and Ashley’s Archer.
Riding without his apprentice allowance, Moran was riding against his father, David, who was on William T.
Pietro’s brother, Will, was the outrider who escorted him back to the winner’s circle to greet owners Al and Bill Ulwelling.
“I can’t believe it - there’s no words to describe it - it’s a dream," Moran said. “It worked out perfect. He broke good. I just loved the way he relaxed. He settled good. No one wanted the lead. He was traveling so good. I was just talking to him the whole way, saying ‘good boy - you’re doing good’. And man, did he respond to me.
“My dad said he’s so proud of me. It’s a special moment. I watched my first Plate live 15 years ago when my dad finished third. I’ve watched it ever since and I’ve been dreaming of this moment. I can’t believe it came this soon.”
Mansetti ($38.70) gave trainer Kevin Attard his third Plate winner, after Moira in 2022 and Caitlinhergrntess last year.
“I’m just over the moon,” Attard said. “The horse had trained really well. I think he flew under the radar a little bit. He beat all the top horses already. To win it with Pietro Moran, a young, up-and-coming rider, is just that much special for me. He’s a great kid. He’s works hard in our stable. To see him get this kind of success this year, it makes it that much more special to me.”
Attard said he plans on running Mansetti back in the middle leg of the Canadian Triple Crown, the Sept. 9 Prince of Wales Stakes on the dirt at Fort Erie, which the Ulwellings have won twice.
The Ulwellings purchased Mansetti, a son of Collected, for $40,000 at the 2024 OBS spring 2-year-old sale.
:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.