Horse of the Year returns to win $133,512 SBOA Stakes

MILTON, May 17, 2025 – Chantilly (Big Jim), the 2024 Canadian Horse of the Year, improved to a perfect 10 for 10 by winning her three-year-old season harness racing debut in Saturday’s SBOA Stakes for Ontario sired three-year-old pacing fillies at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

A homebred superstar for Millar Farms and trainer Nick Gallucci, Chantilly had to overcome 10 rivals and strong winds to take the top spot in the $133,512 event.

“It’s always less than ideal starting a great horse in crappy weather, but she’s a pro,” said Chantilly’s driver James MacDonald. “When I moved her she exploded and felt like she was going to draw away and then the wind shoved me down and I almost grabbed (Millie May Hanover) wheel.

“It was some tense moments there, but she’s just a champion…we came unhooked and sometimes they’ll drop the bit after that, but she just jumped forward again.”

Chantilly got away fifth in the opening-quarter and was moved to the outside entering the backstretch. MacDonald ultimately just looped one rival and settled back in fourth while the leaders upfront kept things motoring through fractions of :26.4 and :54.3.

Wicked N Single took the field by three-quarters in 1:22.4 with Chantilly spotted third-over.

In the stretch, Chantilly rocketed off cover into a stiff headwind. The 1/9 favourite would get tight to a striking Millie May Hanover, before ultimately straightening out and kicking off to win in 1:52.0.

A daughter of Big Jim, Chantilly went right back to the winner’s circle to start her three-year-old season after going nine for nine as a rookie and earning multiple O’Brien Awards.

“She just seems a little bit bigger, little bit stronger,” said trainer Gallucci. “Her hopples are longer, head check longer and just seems maybe she’s improved a little bit in all aspects from last year.”

Chantilly is eligible to the Pepsi North America Cup and is believed to be the first filly ever nominated to Canada’s most prestigious harness race. The date for this year’s Cup is June 14, the same date as the Fan Hanover Stakes for fillies.

“Either way she’s going to be in a big event on that day in June,” said Gallucci. “Right now it’s just week to week just trying to get her as sharp as we can for next week, she’s got an (Ontario Sires Stakes) Gold next Saturday and then we’ll analyze the situation from there.”

CHANTILLY REPLAY

The top-four finishers from Saturday’s SBOA Stakes was completed by Millie May Hanover, who was second by half a length, Perfectly Chic and Lady Cafe Au Lait.

Chantilly paid $2.10 to win.

The SBOA Filly Pace was one of four SBOA finals for Ontario sired three-year-olds on Saturday’s card at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

For complete race results, click here.

by Mark McKelvie, for Woodbine Entertainment