Intimidate’s emphatic victory in the $500,000 TVG final at The Meadowlands on the weekend did more than make him a millionaire.
It moved the five-year-old Justice Hall gelding past McCooeye ($1.1 million) and up with Hanko Angus ($1.2 million) on the all-time earnings list for Quebec-bred trotters, with only the great Grades Singing ($2-million-plus) ahead of them. Grades Singing was Quebec-bred, but sired by US-based stallion Texas.
It also gave the Maple Leaf Trot champion two victories this year over record-setter Sebastian K and two wins in races worth $500,000 or more, making him a standout for older trotter of the year in Canada and a possible horse of the year contender.
“I had no idea he was in this sphere. I am very proud that he is a Quebecer,” said co-owner and co-breeder Judy Farrow of Hemmingford, Que. “Hopefully, it will bode well for the industry in Quebec and show that a good horse can come from very humble beginnings.”
Farrow wasn’t at Saturday’s race. She and her family had gathered at The Meadowlands the week before for the Breeders Crown, where Intimidate finished sixth from post 10 in only his second start since August.
“It has become our annual family reunion, which is so much fun, even though the results were disappointing."
She watched the TVG final “in my recliner, like any other granny would do. My reaction is not quotable. I stayed sitting and watched him passing the point where he stopped (the previous week) and kept saying ‘he’s going to win’. Then I was in a complete daze, totally not believing what just happened. Every race he wins is special, but the TVG, with that amazing field, was thrilling.”
At this point, Farrow is not sure what lies ahead for the trotter, co-owned with Serge Godin’s Ecurie Determination and trained by Luc Blais.
“Luc, Mr. Godin and myself will have a good look at the options for him next year and plan accordingly.”
(A Trot Insider Exclusive by Paul Delean)