Sultana reigns supreme again in Grade 3 Maple Leaf Stakes

07/11/2026

TORONTO, November 7, 2026 - Defending champion Sultana dug in gamely in the final furlong to repeat in the $175,000 Maple Leaf Stakes (Grade 3) Saturday at Woodbine.

The now 5-year-old dark bay/brown mare capped her 4-year-old campaign last November, rallying from off the pace to win the 2025 Maple Leaf Stakes by a head with jockey Rafael Hernandez in the irons.

Reunited with Hernandez for this year's edition, the Kevin Attard pupil broke well from post position 2 as the field of seven exited the King's Plate chute, in the 1 1/4 miles fall classic for fillies and mares, three-year-olds and upward.

First time under the wire, recent Ontario Matron winner Lupa (IRE) opened a 4 1/2 length lead, through an opening quarter mile in a brisk :23.33. Hurricane Clair took up the chase in second. Fortyfiveseventy saved ground in third. Wonder Where Stakes winner Dixie Law, the only three-year-old in the field, was fourth. Scat Girl, Sultana and shipper Venencia (FR) completed the running order into the clubhouse turn.

Lupa (IRE), under a tight hold by rider Fraser Aebly, led the field through a half mile in :47.72 and continued on the point through an opening six panels in 1:13.05, though the rest were drawing closer entering the far turn.

After advancing into fifth, Sultana commenced a bold, wide move inside the three-eighths pole, and soon joined pacesetter Lupa (IRE) at the top of the lane through an opening mile in 1:38.75.

Though several paths apart, Lupa (IRE) persevered on the rail, clinging desperately to the lead, however Sultana found her best stride, collaring the leader inside the 70-yard pole, going on to prevail by a measured length in a final time of 2:05.33.

"She's nice, settle down, like Kevin told me, 'Raffy let her break and see where we are' and just make sure, you know, finish strong." said Hernandez. "Last quarter and that's what we did it, you know, and she showed up today and it's unbelievable.”

Bred in Kentucky by Michael J. Snyder & Always Dreaming Syndicate, Sultana opened her 2026 campaign in late March, with a turf win in the twelve furlong Grade 3 Orchid at Gulfstream, scoring a 19-1 upset, but went to the shelf afterward.

"We got a little side railed after that with her," lamented Attard. "You find the right races for this type of horse, it becomes a little bit more challenging. She was in some ambitious spots afterwards. But, I mean, she didn't disgrace herself. I thought she showed a lot of accountability and ran well in them."

Owned by a partnership including Lou Donato, Theodore Manziaris, Paul Borrelli and Lanni Bloodstock, Sultana returned to Woodbine for a summer campaign, finishing third in the Grade 2 Nassau Stakes, fourth versus males in the Niagara Stakes and recently sixth in the Grade 1 E.P. Taylor Stakes.

Adding Lasix for her Maple Leaf defense, Sultana (Always Dreaming - Private Offering, by Pulpit), appeared dead fit, as she notched three straight bullets on the Woodbine all-weather track.

"Right now, the plan is to continue racing her next season," said Attard. "She didn't make it to the races until she was four. So she's been good and healthy right now. So we'll probably freshen her up and aim for a Florida campaign for the winter."

After doubling up in the Maple Leaf, Sultana improved to 5-1-2 in 10 career starts and remains undefeated at 10 furlongs over the Woodbine main track.

Sultana was listed at 7-2 on the morning line, was off as the 6-5 favourite and returned $4.70 for the win. Fortyfiveseventy rallied late to place, Lupa (IRE) was third and Hurricane Clair finished fourth.

-30-

Phil McSween for Woodbine Communications