Inge Awarded First in the $100,000 Wando

TORONTO, ON – Inge was the winner of Saturday’s $100,000 Wando Stakes at Woodbine following a questionable stretch run and subsequent disqualification of Machtree who crossed the line first.

Inge sprung quickly from the gate to get out in front of the rest of the field for the early lead setting comfortable early fractions of :24.24 and :47.64. Flight Deck sat about 2 lengths behind Inge followed by Tale of Vienna and the 9-5 favorite Piper’s Warrior. Tale of Vienna was the first to move up to challenge the leader Inge and looked to be making up ground as they entered the final stretch. Machtree, who had been sitting at the back of the pack, surprised the dueling pair of Inge and Tale of Vienna with a wild stretch run past the rest of the tiring field to get to the front. Once in front, Machtree held off the others but was bobbing and weaving from side to side the whole way to the wire. Although Machtree’s stretch run was enough to cross the line first, it was clear that his running all over the place and causing problems for the other horses. Ultimately, the stewards decided that both Machtree and Tale of Vienna had interfered and awarded Inge the victory. Titochip was placed second, followed by Piper’s Warrior and Tale of Vienna.

“We’ll take it. A win’s a win. It’s unfortunate for the connections that actually won the race, but that’s racing and things happen,” said trainer Norman McKnight.

Inge returned $10.60 to win, $5.60 to place, and $3.40 to show. Titochip brought back $5.10 to place and $3.80 to show, while Piper’s Warrior paid $2.50 to show.

Scratched: Archaggelos