Pink Lloyd to aim for double digits in New Providence

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Pink Lloyd recorded his ninth consecutive win, all in Woodbine stakes, in last Saturday’s Jacques Cartier Stakes, just two days after being named 2017 Canadian Horse of the Year. He will aim to make it 10 in a row in the $100,000 New Providence Stakes on May 13, trainer Robert Tiller said.

Pink Lloyd broke Woodbine’s six-furlong track record in the Jacques Cartier, his first race since winning the Grade 2 Kennedy Road Stakes last November. In addition to the layoff, Pink Lloyd had to overcome the rail draw and a new rider, as Rafael Hernandez took over for the suspended Eurico Da Silva.

“I never even dreamed about breaking a track record, I just hoped he could overcome the post, the change of rider, and obviously the layoff,” Tiller said. “Nine races is tough to do, but nine stakes is almost impossible.”

Pink Lloyd wintered at Paul Buttigieg’s farm in Egbert, Ontario. Tiller said he spent the winter worrying about whether Pink Lloyd would maintain his form into this season.

“Once you’ve laid them up, you’ve got to start all over again, and that’s a very difficult thing,” he said. “He was 5 last year and now he’s 6, so you always worry about them coming back.”

In addition to his Horse of the Year award, Pink Lloyd was also named champion older male and champion male sprinter. Tiller said he is hopeful Pink Lloyd can keep his record run going.

“I think it’s great for everybody if that horse keeps doing it,” he said. “It’s remarkable what he’s done so far.”