Woodmere Stealdeal is a horse known for putting in a strong effort every race. When he didn't show his usual form on Saturday, July 29 at Woodbine Mohawk Park, owners Bob Sumarah of Halifax, N.S., Frank Brundle of East Garafraxa, Ont., and Glenn MacDonald of Ajax, Ont. consulted with trainer Carmen Auciello and the horse's veterinarian.
They have made the decision to keep Woodmere Stealdeal in Ontario, rather than take him east to Truro Raceway for Woodmere Stealdeal Day, planned for Sunday, Aug. 6, or the five-year-old pacer's hoped-for start in the Gold Cup and Saucer trials at Red Shores Charlottetown.
An official statement from the gelding's owners confirmed the unfortunate news on Tuesday: "We have decided that he will not be able to make the trip to Truro for Stealdeal day, or to Old Home Week for the Gold Cup and Saucer this year. We are very disappointed, but Steal’s health remains our top priority. We have been overwhelmed by the tremendous support Steal has received from the Maritimes. Thank you so much to Truro Raceway for wanting to honour him with a wonderful day and best of luck to the Gold Cup and Saucer entries this year."
Truro Raceway GM Steve Fitzsimmons said Woodmere Stealdeal Day is now postponed indefinitely and he wishes a speedy recovery to the fastest-ever Maritime-sired pacer.
(Truro Raceway)