On 12th September, the notable race track of Canada, Fort Erie Race Track, hosted the most important stakes on its schedule. The Prince of Wales Stakes for three-year-old Thoroughbreds is one of Canada’s Triple Crown series held annually. As the equine partners ran through the course of 1 3/16 miles, the equestrian community stood to witness the unfolding of events in an unexpected manner.

Carrying a purse of CAN $400,000, the Prince of Wales Stakes on Tuesday was one of those matches to have a speculated winner. However, crushing the chances of the expected victor, the Justin Stein-ridden gelding raced to overturn the events.

Equestrian Justin Stein Rides to Victory

It was 11 equines on the start line for the second of the Triple Crown series. Having won the first of the three, the audience’s eyes were very rightly fixated on the Paramount Prince. And the celebrated gelding did not take a start to defy the spectators either. Starting on the slightly muddy dirt track, Paramount Prince was quick to take the lead. He was further followed by Velocitor and Ottowa. Maintaining a considerable length at 6 more furlongs to go, the three equines were in for dominance.

It was only with less than 3 furlongs to go that Paramount Prince was challenged by the unexpected Velocitor. As Paramount Prince continued to charge ahead, sticking to the rail, Velocitor moved on the outside to be right beside the former. Following close behind, Kaukokaipuu overtook Stanley House to take its place on the 3rd. However, with the final furlong, it was Velocitor who led the race to the finish line as Kaukokaipuu laid back by a neck to finish 2nd. Paramount Prince followed the two by another neck.

Velocitor clocking the finish at 1:55.24 gave rider Justin Stein his second victory of the stakes; previously winning in 2022. “Deja vu, it feels awesome to do it again. Winning the Prince of Wales two years in a row is very, very special, and something I’ll always remember,” Justin said following the consecutive victory according to Paulick Report. The famed Jockey currently has a total of 10,244 starts to his name and is entitled to career earnings of $61,963,889.

Being quite new to the racing tracks, both Velocitor and Paramount Prince raced on dirt for the first time. Giving a mouth-gaping performance, the two rivals have quite the track record.

Velocitor against Paramount Prince

Amongst the two equines, it was Velocitor who made an early debut. Beginning in May last year, Velocitor finished 2nd on his first race. Since then, the Kevin Attard Gelding has had a total of 10 starts to his name; 4 wins, 1 second, and 1 third. Velocitor, bred by Al Ulwelling & Bill Ulwelling has current career earnings of $445,761.

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On the other hand, Paramount Prince made its debut in November of last year, finishing at 1st. And through to Prince Wales, the 3-year-old has had a total of 7 starts with 3 firsts, 2 seconds, and 2 thirds. Prince is trained by Mark E. Casse and bred by Ericka Nadine. With a staggering track record, Paramount Prince stands with the current career earnings of $610,337.

As both hold an impressive record and potential as they make their way into the industry, who will be your pick?

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