Nijinsky victorious in $1 million North America Cup

Louis-Philippe Roy gave Nijinsky (Bettors Delight) a perfect second-over trip, and the harness racing colt soared to victory in the $1 million Pepsi North America Cup on Saturday (Jun. 15) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Nijinsky stayed outside through the first turn with action up front as Funtime Bayama (Sylvain Filion) brought the field to the quarter in :26.1 before Captain Albano (Todd McCarthy) popped the pocket on the backside. His lead was short-lived with Captains Quarters (Jody Jamieson), also on the march, passing him at the half in :54.1.

Nijinsky advanced second-over behind Legendary Hanover (James MacDonald) and sat a few lengths off the lead at three-quarters in 1:21.2. Captains Quarters, Legendary Hanover, and Captain Albano grinded away at each other down the stretch until Nijinsky fired up on the outside. Captains Quarters maintained his resistance the longest, but Nijinsky proved unstoppable as he flew by him to capture the North America Cup in 1:48.1. Roy punched the air with his whip hand approaching the line, celebrating his first win in the race.

Captains Quarters held on for second in a game effort with Funtime Bayama closing for show. The winner was the co-favourite at 5/2.

NIJINSKY REPLAY

With the win in Canada’s most prestigious race, Nijinsky remained undefeated in five starts this season for trainer Tony Beaton. The colt went one-for-10 at two and was considered a longshot in the first NA Cup Spring Book, but he has come on strong in his sophomore season. He is now six-for-15 lifetime with $723,362 in earnings. West Wins Stable of Wellington, John Fielding of Scarborough, and Mark Dumain own Nijinsky.

For all the North America Cup night replays, click here.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink