Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer created a virtual Canadian heritage moment with his seventh-inning home run on Monday, Oct. 20, propelling the Jays into their first World Series since 1993. Dr. Ian Moore was there at the SkyDome for Joe Carter's series-winning home run some 32 years ago, and the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Famer is poised to be a part of his own Canadian Heritage moment this weekend at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Moore, a lifelong Jays fan, begrudgingly won't be at the Rogers Centre on Friday or Saturday night as the Jays host the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first two games of the World Series. That's because he's an integral part of harness racing's championship series, the 2025 Breeders Crown finals. And he's looking to lift some hardware by the time the weekend is over.
"Like they say, it all comes down to the Breeders Crown," said Moore with a smile. "That's what it's all about this time of year; everybody wants to win a Breeders Crown and I'm no different."
With one trophy — the 2020 Open Pace tally by eventual Canadian Horse of the Year Century Farroh — to his credit, Moore's hopes for more hardware come in the form of undefeated two-year-old pacing colt Beau Jangles and sophomore pacing colt Prince Hal Hanover.
A son of Cattlewash - Mrs Major Hill, Beau Jangles sports an 11-for-11 record with $1,209,250 in purse earnings for trainer Moore, driver Bob McClure and owners Graham Grace Stables LLC of Clifton, Va., the Kiwi Stables LLC of La Plata, Md., and Bolton Stables of Clermont, Fl. This talented horse is a large part of the reason why Dr. Moore, 72, has delayed his retirement despite posting career-best numbers in 2025.
"It's not all about me at any point in time," noted Moore, giving credit to his team of assistant trainers and caretakers. "You have to surround yourself, I think, with good owners, good partners, and good people to work with you and the horses because I can't do it all myself and I need people I can trust. And I certainly have those now, so I'm very thankful for that."
Beau Jangles notched his 11th straight win last Friday at Mohawk in his Breeders Crown elim, an effortless 1:49.1 score. The 8-5 morning line choice has drawn post six for the $700,000 USD final on Friday, with all of his main contenders in posts two through five to his inside.
"Last week when I watched the replay...it seemed like it was very easy for him," said Moore. "Bobby just seemed to look behind and sat with him, he only asked him one time and when he did he opened up a couple of lengths. I was quite impressed by that.
"Arguably all of the ones he has to contend with are inside of him," Moore continued. "That's going to make it a little bit tougher, for sure."
The focus will shift to millionaire stablemate Prince Hal Hanover on Saturday, Oct. 25, as the son of Captaintreacherous - Percy Bluechip will set sail from post three in the $600,000 USD Breeders Crown final for three-year-old pacing colts. Regular reinsman Todd McCarthy once again gets the call for Moore and owner Prince Hal Hanover Stable of Cambridge, Ont. The elim winner from a week ago seeks his 10th career tally on Saturday, and he's the 4-1 second choice on the morning line.
"We were just thrilled," said Moore when asked about that elim victory on Saturday. "To come back home to Mohawk after not racing here since about July the 5th...to get a half like that (:56.1) was great for him and I know he can come a quarter in :26 anytime. It's a little tough for the ones coming from the back to beat unless they're coming in :25."
Moore discusses his pending retirement, the decision to bring Beau Jangles back for the Breeders Crown, what's left and next for Prince Hal Hanover and his beloved Toronto Blue Jays in this entertaining interview with Standardbred Canada's Jeff Porchak. To watch and listen, click the play button below.
To view Friday's harness racing entries, click the following link: Friday Entries - Woodbine Mohawk Park // Program Pages (courtesy TrackIT).
To view Saturday's harness racing entries, click the following link: Saturday Entries - Woodbine Mohawk Park // Program Pages (courtesy TrackIT).
(Standardbred Canada)