TORONTO, August 21, 2025 – Throughout the Mohawk racing season, Woodbine will profile horses who have had a life-changing impact on their closest connections. This week, Todd Ratchford – a former professional hockey player turned driver who last year recorded his first $1 million season en route to the O’Brien Future Star Award – and Ritchie Rich. Trained by Todd’s sister Mary Ratchford, the sophomore trotter has already given the Ratchfords a lifetime of memories in just three short years together. Ritchie Rich and driver Todd Ratchford winning OSS Gold on May 29, 2025 at Woodbine Mohawk Park (New Image Media) Ritchie Rich Foaled: May 19, 2022 Sire: Wheeling N Dealin Dam: Hola Lola Wins-Seconds-Thirds: 6-3-0 Earnings: $127,850 Trainer: Mary Ratchford Owner: Cynthia Graham, Carolyn Jarrell, & Mary Ratchford Breeder: Cynthia Graham & William Woolfrey What were your first impressions of Ritchie Rich? “Stubbornness. Breaking him as a yearling, he just wanted to do his own thing. It took some getting used for us and for him to get him into the groove of everything. “Even simple stuff like going into the wash rack was a battle every day. He would not want to go in there because he was scared or whatever the case. It just took a lot of time and patience.” What was it like forming a connection with this horse in the race bike? “He made it pretty easy because he’s a complete professional when it comes to being on the track. Every aspect of his racing is exactly how you’d want it. Professional is the best word to describe it. “He’s very relaxed and calm out there. He steers perfectly. He’s not hot or aggressive or anything like that. He’s just an absolute pleasure to drive and be on the racetrack with. “He’s got that will to win, too. Some horses have it, and some don’t. It’s not something you can teach – either they have it or they don’t. We’re very lucky he has that trait.” Looking back on his OSS Gold win, what emotions or memories does that race stir up? “Oh, I think about it all the time. I have a picture in my house, and I see it every day as I walk out the door. It gives you chills and goosebumps and all the good feelings that you would want, and it makes you want more of it. “It’s addicting to win those kinds of races, to have those feelings because they don’t come very often. But when they do, you want more. “It was her [Mary’s] first ever start in the Gold as a trainer and her first ever win.” Ritchie Rich and connections after winning OSS Gold on May 29, 2025 at Woodbine Mohawk Park (New Image Media) Three words to describe him? “Professional. Athletic. Calm.” How has he changed your life? “How did he change my life? Well, we knew that this was going to be our career – my sister and I – and especially for me, I knew I wanted to do this, but having a horse like him really elevates it and gave me an extra boost of confidence and understanding of what a good horse truly feels like. He definitely made me more confident in my ability as a driver. “Just with anything and anyone, when you’re doing your job, you feel like you’re good at it. And then once something comes along where you reach a major accomplishment, and you did it the best you could, it just gives you that extra closure and understanding that, ‘Okay, I’m doing what I’m supposed to.’” Matthew Lomon, for Woodbine Share This:Share
