Woodbine Mohawk Park: Nirvana Seelster gives Budd win 2,000
Nirvana Seelster displayed the determination that’s helped him earn over $1 million in his career to give trainer Bill Budd a milestone victory Saturday night at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Budd entered Saturday’s card just a win shy of 2,000 for his career and his longtime stable star Nirvana Seelster fittingly came through with a game victory in the $34,000 Preferred Pace.
Driven by Bob McClure, Nirvana Seelster shot to the lead and went unchallenged through solid fractions of 26 4/5, 55 1/5 and 1:22 4/5. East End angled from the two-hole at the head of the lane and took a short lead with an eighth of a mile remaining.
Nirvana Seelster refused to give up and battled back at the inside to regain the lead late, winning a wild finish in 1:51. East End finished second by a head, while Ellis Park was third by a neck.
Owned by Bruce Davy, Nirvana Seelster scored his fourth win in 30 starts this season and 45th of his career. The eight-year-old gelding has earned over $1.2 million lifetime. This was his first Preferred level victory since September 15, 2018.
Budd, 68, has been a fixture on the Woodbine and Ontario racing scene for decades. The Waterdown, Ontario resident started working for Bill Wellwood in 1969 and has made over 10,000 starts as a trainer with his horses earning more than $19 million.
Sir Luck and Boulder Creek are two of Budd’s most notable students during his training career.
Budd’s stable is enjoying a strong season, posting 52 wins and earning more than $1.1 million. This marks the third season his stable has surpassed $1 million.
-edited release (Woodbine)