Lion of Ekati, who found it difficult when racing in his obligatory conditions, is making waves in the claiming ranks with win after win, even being able to get close to the pacesetters, a situation he was unable to achieve, usually racing way behind at the back of the field.
Lion of Ekati, a seven-year-old American-bred dark bay/brown gelding, recorded his fourth straight win on Thursday, January 1, 2026, when he captured the McKay Security Sprint Trophy. Trained by Norman Smith and ridden by Reyan Lewis, Lion of Ekati took the 7-furlong Claiming event for horses four years and older ($350,000–$250,000) in 1:31.4, with sectional times of 25.1, 50.2, and 1:17.4. He crossed the finish line 4¾ lengths ahead of his nearest rival.
Lewis kept Lion of Ekati off the early pace while The Love of God, ridden by Samantha Fletcher, set the fractions. JJ Warrior under Evertte Clunis, Casual Peach with Tyrese Anderson, and Bad Investment ridden by Raddesh Roman were also prominent down the backstretch. At the half-mile turn, Lewis asked his mount to move forward, and Lion of Ekati advanced smoothly past horses to take command.
Once in front, he maintained a strong gallop into the straight and quickly put the race beyond doubt. Great Trick, ridden by Tevin Foster, and El Afortunado, partnered by Christopher Mamdeen, tried to close but were left behind as Lion of Ekati finished well clear to continue his winning run.
