Trainer Harold Ladouceur makes history with victory at Prince of Wales Stakes

The horse’s moniker Vitality turned out to be an apt name, not just since it showed some pep to beat a tough field at the Prince of Wales Stakes, but also for the jolt of energy it gave to the first Indigenous trainer to ever have one of their horses win the historic race.

“I feel like I could pick you all up,” a jubilant Harold Ladouceur told a crowd of reporters and track officials following the 89th running of the Prince of Wales Stakes.

Ladouceur, a member of the Moosomin and Kikino Metis settlements, is believed to be the first Indigenous trainer to win the second leg of the OLG Canadian Triple Crown.

“I’m so proud to be Indigenous. I’m just a kid from tiny little Lac la Biche, but I feel like I’ve joined a very elite group, and to do that as an Indigenous man, it feels amazing.”

As he walked down to the oval following the win, Ladouceur pumped his fists in the air, embracing everyone he came across. Even following the initial excitement, the trainer could hardly keep his feet on the ground. At the same time, he offered his thanks and appreciation to everyone.

“I feel the love, thank you,” he said.

Vitality was a bit of a surprise winner, with three other horses favoured to win. That included heavy favourite Midnight Mascot, which struggled early and couldn’t make up enough ground on the far turn to be a contender. Pierre, another favourite, dropped back after a strong start.

Winning jockey Jose Campos said he knew Vitality was a nice horse to ride.

“So going in, I just listened to everything the trainer told me, and tried to keep that in mind,” he said.

This year’s Prince of Wales Stakes was the second largest in terms of wagering, falling just shy of last year’s record setting performance. Still, wagering for the 11-race day topped $3 million, with more than $700,000 wagered on the Stakes race alone.

The three-year-old Vitality by Street Boss out of Belissimo was bred by Adena Springs for owners Stronach Stables, and returned $20.10 for the win.

Jockey Justin Stein also had a memorable day, winning back-to-back $100,000 Ontario Sired Heritage Series Stake races. Stein won the Rondeau Bay Stakes atop Frac Amour, which was trained by Julie Mathes, and following that up with a win in the Lake Erie Stakes, atop Junior Hot Shot, trained by John Ross.

The Fort Erie racing season isn’t over. Races continue on Mondays and Tuesdays through October 22.

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