TORONTO, May 5 – Trainer Scott Fairlie notched his 1000th career win when Aunt Sue arrived in the final stride to capture Friday’s fourth race, at Woodbine. The Toronto native, who took out his trainer’s license in 1985, has enjoyed a successful career at Woodbine enjoying his first stakes success in 2001 when the multiple graded stakes winner Mr. Epperson captured the Grade 2 Nearctic as well as the Grade 3 Play the King and Highlander en route to Sovereign Award honours as Canada’s champion sprinter. Fairlie was all smiles following the win by Aunt Sue which required a perfect trip from leading rider Eurico Rosa da Silva. "It feels good to reach 1000, but those are all in the past and you have to look to the future now," laughed Fairlie. It was a dramatic finish in the seven furlong sprint for older fillies and mares with Ariel’s Vision and Krz Princess both in the mix in the final strides as da Silva persevered with Aunt Sue. "I thought she had a chance, but late in the race it looked like she wasn’t going to get there. Fortunately, Eurico got her up. That’s where fitness comes in," said Fairlie. Fairlie recalled a number of big moments from the first 1000 scores of his career, including victories by the 2009 champion sophomore filly Milwaukee Appeal and the hard-trying multiple stakes winner Cawaja Beach who won four of five career starts. "Winning the Oaks with Milwaukee Appeal and the Nearctic with Mr. Epperson are highlights for me," offered Fairlie. "Certainly horses I bred, like Cawaja Beach, come to mind as well." The veteran conditioner is already looking ahead for his next win. "It’s a nice milestone but you have to keep winning to survive in this game," smiled Fairlie. Aunt Sue, a five-year-old Philanthropist chestnut owned by ACE Racing Stable Inc., paid $11.70 to win. Share This:Share
