3 minute read

War Of Will proved he did have the will to win given a clear run and provided his rider, trainer and owner with their first Triple Crown race winner.

There was drama at the start of the race when Bodespress reared at the start and dislodged John Velazquez but fortunately both were OK although out of contention.

War Of Will is trained by Mark Casse and was ridden by 24yo hockey Tyler Graffalone, the son and grandon of jockeys. They defeated 29/1 shot Everfast who was in a photo for the minors with Owendale, with both horses putting in good finishing runs.  Warriors Charge was the fourth home.  No excuses for the beaten brigade.

Latest is that War Of Will will go to the Belmont.

Earlier the Gr 2 Dixie Stakes on the turf went to the versatile Catholic Boy who had been off the track since the breeders but had been well prepared by trainer Jonathan Thomas and of course got a great ride from Javier Castellano.  Catholic Boy has won at the top level both on dirt and on turf.

On Friday the Black Eyed Susan saw Point of Honour win by a neck from Ulele with Cookie Dough 2 ¼ lengths back in third.

The big question now is the future of Pimlico as a racecourse.  There are many who wish it to continue but the real estate is valuable and the owners may wish to capitalise on that.