Thirteen days removed from his most recent victory, and up in class, Southwind Amazon was all class, re-writing the harness racing history books by earning career win number 138 at MGM Northfield Park on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
The victory pushed the 14-year-old son of Camluck, a career winner of $1.53 million, past Niffit, who held the modern-day win record of 137.
Historically, Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Famer Symbol Allen holds the all-time win record with 241 wins.
Things were stacked against the warhorse, Southwind Amazon, from the word go. When he earned his 137th victory two weeks ago, he was forced to move up in class and face tougher company.
He also didn’t get the greatest of beginnings as Southwind Amazon (Justin Irvine) came away sixth, with Beach Forecast (John Ciocca Jr.) and Natives Filou (Kurt Sugg) both flying off the gate. The top three arrived at a bone-crushing :26 quarter.
At the half in :55.3, the outer flow began to develop, with Southwind Amazon beginning his bid third-over. Up the backstretch, Natives Filou kicked clear, but as the field arrived at three-quarters in 1:24.3, Win Not Lou (Billy Davis Jr.) flipped off cover three-wide and Southwind Amazon followed his cover and found another gear around the last turn.
When Southwind Amazon met Natives Filou, he went by like that gelding was standing still, drawing off to win his historic mile by 3-3/4 lengths in 1:54.
Southwind Amazon is owned by Ameer Najor and trained by Paul Holzman.
Young reinsman Justin Irvine, at 22 years old, earned one of the biggest victories of his career.
“He was racing before I even got my driving license, I can’t believe that my name will be in the record books with such a great horse,” said Irvine.
Holzman plans to race Southwind Amazon through the end of the year until he is forced into retirement on Dec. 31.
“He has taken me to places I never thought I would be, and has raced against some of the greatest horses of all-time, I couldn’t be more proud of him,” said a jubilant Holzman. “He’s like my son. I’ve rode on his coat tails, it’s been an absolute thrill and honour.”
Dual Carryovers Wednesday Night At Northfield
The United States election night was a rough day for some in the Pick-5 resulting in a $3,135 carryover. The pool will roll over to the program on Wednesday night, Nov. 6.
The $1 wager, beginning in race six, will feature an estimated pool of $20,000 and, as always, sports the player-friendly 14 per cent takeout. There will also be a 50-cent Pick-6 carryover of $3,561 beginning in race eight.
Post time for the 16-race program on Wednesday is 6 p.m.
Northfield Park currently races four evenings a week in November on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
(With files from Northfield Park)
Congratulations, Southwind Amazon!!
Niffit's record for most lifetime wins stood for 35 years. Southwind Amazon's record may last even longer. No other active standardbred has 100 or more wins.