Vintage performance from Old Chestnut in G3 Jacques Cartier
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TORONTO, May 31, 2025 – Veteran campaigner Old Chestnut went wire-to-wire to earn his first graded stakes victory in the $150,000 Jacques Cartier (G3), Saturday at Woodbine.
After a third in the 2023 running of the Jacques Cartier and a second in last year’s edition, 8-year-old Old Chestnut finally struck gold in the six-furlong main track race for 4-year-olds and up.
Trained by Marty Drexler, the son of Speightstown out of the Silver Deputy mare Pool Land broke sharply under Eswan Flores and took control a few strides out of the gate, going on to hold a one-length advantage over Simcoe, to his outside, through a lively opening quarter in :22.40.
On top by a half-length through a half in :44.13, Old Chestnut was engaged by Simcoe into the turn for home but repelled the challenge as the duo straightened for the stretch drive.
Old Chestnut then sprinted away with vigor in early stretch to secure a 2 ¾-length score in a sharp 1:08.17. Simcoe was second and Okiro was third. Multiple graded stakes winner and reigning Canadian Horse of the Year, Patches O’Houlihan, was scratched, making it a three-horse race for top prize.
“He broke so sharp, you know, I just had to take the take his best move, which is, we won with him last year, going to the front,” said Flores. “When it was time to go, he gave me what he had, because the other horse (Simcoe) was trying to move on you and just couldn't do it.”
"It was something you didn't expect,” said Drexler, of Patches O’Houlihan's absence. “But, I mean, horse racing always throws something at you, so glad to take it. So, I actually thought we were live in here.”
It was the sixth career victory, to go along with five seconds and seven thirds from 42 starts for the multiple graded stakes placed Old Chestnut, who is owned by Bruno Schickedanz.
Bred in Florida by Live Oak Stud, Old Chestnut, who won the 2019 Ontario Racing Stakes, was making his fourth start of the campaign and first visit to the winner’s circle in 2025.
Sent off at 7-2, the longest shot on the board, he paid $9.50 for today’s win.
Chris Lomon, Woodbine
