Canadian Horse of the Year Patches O'Houlihan Injured in Highlander Victory

Woodbine roundup: Patches O’Houlihan is hurt during victory

Patches O’Houlihan drifted out down the lane but managed to come out on top Saturday in the Grade 2, US$171,337 Highlander Stakes on the turf at Woodbine.The victorious bay gelding was pulled up by jockey Sofia Vives after the race and was found by veterinarians to have suffered an unspecified soft-tissue injury. He was back at his barn resting comfortably, according to a social-media post from track management Saturday evening.Click here for Wo…

Canadian Horse of the Year Patches O'Houlihan Injured in Highlander Victory

It's not often considered a head-scratching race when a reigning Canadian Horse of the Year wins over a strong field that includes two other Canadian champions, but that's exactly what happened Saturday in the GII Bet365 Highlander Stakes at Woodbine. Sure, 4-5 choice Patches O'Houlihan (Reload) won, just like he was supposed to, but it was the manner in which he won–veering out badly–that left perhaps more questions than answers. As a precautio…

Patches O’Houlihan takes tough road to Highlander triumph - Woodbine Racetrack

TORONTO, June 28, 2025 – Patches O’Houlihan drifted out down the lane, but managed to come out on top in Saturday’s $200,000 bet365 Highlander Stakes (G2T), at Woodbine. Sofia Vives wasted no time in putting Patches O’Houlihan ahead of the pack in the six-furlong turf sprint for 4-year-olds and up contested over an E.P. Taylor turf listed as good, with My Boy Prince and Old Chestnut picking up the pursuit through a spirited opening panel in :22.…