From Stakes to Stardom: Stanley House’s Woodbine Mile Mission

TORONTO, September 12, 2025— Leo Salles and Stanley House are ready to take on the world.

When the pair goes postward in Saturday’s $1 million Rogers Woodbine Mile (G1T), Salles and Stanley House will be met by a deep contingent of turf specialists, led by international powerhouses Notable Speech (GB) and One Stripe (SAF), who open as the top two choices at 8-5 and 5-2, respectively.

Stanley House, at 10-1 on the morning line, slots into post one.

While the odds may be against them in the Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” Challenge Series event, Salles has full faith in the battle-tested dark bay.

“He is a perfect horse,” said the graded stakes winning rider. “He has a beautiful stride, he is heavy and has good speed. We just had to make some little adjustments with him before he put it all together – he is a very talented horse.”

Salles first piloted Stanley House in last year’s running of the Autumn Stakes (G2), steering the Mike De Paulo charge to within a neck of second place at 8-1.

“The first time I rode him, I knew he was full of potential,” continued Salles. “He’s a complete horse. He’s a beautiful fella. He’s kind and he does things the easy way – super easy. He’s amazing.”

After an encouraging second in the Dominion Day (G3) on June 28 at Woodbine, the 5-year-old son of Army Mule–Stormy’s Song broke through in his fourth start under Salles.

Sent off as the 9-5 favourite in August’s $100,000 Niagara Stakes, also at Woodbine, Stanley House, bred in Ontario by Elevage II, LLC & St. Elias Stables, LLC, delivered on his lofty billing, leading throughout for the impressive four-length score.

“In the Niagara, the early speed impressed me,” said Salles reflecting on Stanley House’s first stakes victory. “The most impressive part was how he handled being on the lead. He was much easier there than any time I rode him. That was my first time riding him on the turf and he loved it.”

It was the spirited Autumn effort, however, that revealed to Salles what Stanley House was capable of.

“At that time, I could steer him properly and everything was perfect. Unfortunately, the result was a second, though he ended up scoring his best number ever.

“But when we went to the Niagara, I knew he was full of confidence. I was full of confidence, and there was a lot of work put into that.”

That conviction, in concert with Stanley House’s natural ability, led Salles to compare his prized mount to the only human being who might have stood a chance at keeping up with him: eight-time Olympic Gold medallist and world-record holding sprinter, Usain Bolt. ​

“That guy, he’s unbelievable. He’s very fast and takes big, long strides and always has extra gears. He never gets tired and gets more impressive deeper into the race. I think he’s a nice comparison for Stanley House.”

When the time comes for Stanley House to line up for the biggest race of his life, the $120,000 purchase at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall Yearling Sale, like Bolt, won’t let the moment consume him.

“He’s a nice, kind boy. He’s not a young horse anymore, so he’s not that playful guy, but he’s having fun and doesn’t take himself too seriously,” noted Salles. “He’s never turned his ear back, he’s never got mad, he’s calm and easy. That’s why I think he’s such a perfect horse because he does these things easily and I never have to worry about him.

“The bad habits he had don’t exist anymore. I believe we polished this diamond very well now.”

As for Salles, who expressed his gratitude to owners John and Diana Russell for the opportunity and De Paulo for his “fabulous work” with Stanley House, a chance to compete for the title of ‘Woodbine Mile champion’ is a dream come true.

“I’ve competed in many big races and it’s always a pleasure to be there. We know the Mile is the best of the best. If you can have a horse of that calibre and a horse with history behind it, and the confidence is there, and they improve every day, it just makes me excited.

“I’m trying to hold my feelings because I know what’s up for grabs.”

With the hours ahead of Saturday’s 5:39 p.m. post time dwindling, Salles is savouring every second.

“Live in the moment. I know what we have, I’m full of confidence in that. I’ve been working the horse, and he’s only confirmed our belief more. I’m glad the time is coming. I’m more than ready to get the job done, and he is too.”

Matthew Lomon, for Woodbine