Trainer Winston Morris achieved his first win of the 2024 racing season when Lion of Ekati delivered a dominant performance in the third race on Saturday, September 21.
The race was a three-year-old and upward Optional Claiming ($250,000-$200,000) event, featuring six-year-olds and upward (non-winners of three) as well as native-bred five-year-old (maidens) over 7 furlongs.
Lion of Ekati, a five-year-old American-bred dark bay/brown gelding, made a strong start and settled into fourth place before jockey Aaron Chatrie urged him forward to take the lead as the field approached the half-mile marker.
As they rounded the home bend, Lion of Ekati continued to dominate, pulling away from the rest of the field. With a commanding lead, Lion of Ekati crossed the finish line with ease, securing an impressive 16 ¼-length victory in a time of 1:32.0 (24.3 x 49.3 x 1:17.3).
