Canada's reigning Horse of the Year Patches O'Houlihan wins the Thorncliffe in record time with Sofia Vives in the saddle
Canada's reigning Horse of the Year lowered the 5 1/2-furlong record on the all-weather main track to 1:02.28 while making his first start of the year
Author:
Chris Lomon/Woodbine
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Patches O’Houlihan, Canada’s reigning Horse of the Year, made his first start of the 2025 one for the record books in Sunday’s $100,000 Thorncliffe Stakes at Woodbine.
A 5-year-old son of Reload out of the Silent Mare (JPN) mare Maythefourthbwithu, Patches O’Houlihan arrived at the 5½-furlong main track event for 4-year-olds and up off a stellar 2024 campaign that included three graded stakes victories, highlighted by the Nearctic (G2). His lone defeat came in the Kennedy Road (G2), where he finished less than a length behind Nobals, the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) winner.
The bay gelding had his game face on well before the gates opened in the Thorncliffe.
When they did open, Patches O’Houlihan, at 1-5, under Sofia Vives, cruised to the front and settled comfortably into rhythm through an opening quarter in :22.58, as multiple graded stakes winner Flag Of Honour (AUS) chased in second, followed by Runnin’ Rocket, Filo Di Arianna (BRZ), also a multiple graded stakes winner, Ironstone, and I’m A Gambler (IRE), who got off to a tardy beginning.
Patches O’Houlihan and Vives were still cruising on the lead through a half in :44.71 and braced for their pursuers as they straightened for home. Filo Di Arianna chased gamely down the lane, but Patches O’Houlihan began to widen his advantage mid-stretch and crossed the wire four lengths ahead of Filo Di Arianna. I’m A Gambler recovered well to finish third, followed by Ironstone, Flag of Honour and Runnin’ Rocket.
The final time was a blistering 1:02.28 on the all-weather track, which eclipsed the previous mark of 1:02.62 set by Arzak on April 17, 2022.
Vives, who recently won her second straight Sovereign Award as the country’s top apprentice, was impressed by yet another outstanding performance put on by the Bob Tiller trainee.
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“We’ve kind of been a little unlucky the last couple times we rode him – we got all inside posts,” noted Vives. “But he shows he’s pretty quick and he was quicker than the bunch today and he got there first. He’s always been a confident horse. He’s always 110 percent and he knows when it’s game time when he hears the gate.”
Patches O’Houlihan, bred (in Ontario) and owned by Frank Di Giulio Jr., is now 12-1-0 from 15 starts.
“I have never been more confident in a horse in my life [today],” said Tiller. “He’s trained better than he’s ever trained and he’s spectacular. I think he’s a better horse this year. Hopefully, he stays sound.”
Named after the Rip Torn character in the comedy movie Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, he launched his career in September 2022 and recorded a 4½-length win at 5 ½ furlongs over the Woodbine main track.
Between May and September of 2023, Patches O’Houlihan reeled off six consecutive victories. He then won four straight races from July to October in 2024.
Di Giulio, one of Canada’s most successful owners and breeders, was effusive in his praise of his prized superstar, who was also feted for the second straight year as the country’s champion male sprinter.
“He looks fantastic – it’s amazing,” said Di Giulio. “Hopefully, the (Grade 3) Jacques Cartier (on May 31 at Woodbine) is the obvious place [for him to run next].”
Patches O’Houlihan, whose groom is Clifford Knight, paid $3 for Sunday’s win.
