Wicked Django produced a memorable performance at Woodbine on Sunday, September 27, 2026, edging Paramount Prince by a head to win the inaugural Grand Valley Stakes worth $150,000. Settled near the rear of the six-horse field by regular rider Keveh Nicholls, the six-year-old gradually worked into contention before prevailing in a determined finish over the E.P. Taylor Turf Course.
Paramount Prince broke sharply and quickly assumed control, setting the pace through the opening quarter-mile in 23.71 seconds. Side Street tracked the leader in second, while Naptown and Rapid Test raced close behind. Faber held fifth, with Wicked Django initially saving ground at the back.
The pace remained honest, with the opening half-mile covered in 47.31 seconds. Wicked Django began to make his move approaching the final turn, threading his way between runners to take third as Side Street increased the pressure on Paramount Prince through six furlongs in 1:10.88.
Wicked Django Finds More in the Grand Valley Stakes
Turning for home, Nicholls angled Wicked Django three-wide and the gelding moved alongside Paramount Prince. The latter briefly regained momentum along the inside, setting up a sustained battle between the two runners.
Inside the final furlong, Wicked Django and Paramount Prince went stride for stride. Nicholls kept his mount focused through the closing stages, and Wicked Django found enough to secure the verdict by a hard-fought head.
The winning time was 1:45.64 for approximately one and one-eighth miles, with the mile completed in 1:33.51 on firm ground.
The victory marked Wicked Django’s first success on turf and also reversed the result of the Caledon Stakes, where Paramount Prince had finished ahead of him on Woodbine’s all-weather surface.
For trainer Renico Lafond and Nicholls, the victory carried a deeper meaning. Both dedicated the performance to local trainer Nathan Squires, who died earlier in the week and was remembered fondly by members of the Woodbine racing community.
Lafond had been encouraged by Wicked Django’s preparation following the Caledon Stakes. The horse had worked five furlongs in 1:00.00 on the local dirt training track, and his trainer had been pleased with the way he had progressed through the week.
Wicked Django, bred in Ontario by Denny Andrews and Niall Brennan, is owned by Ryan Brewster and is by Wicked Strong out of Belcarres, by Flatter. The victory improved his lifetime record to four wins, four seconds and four thirds from 17 starts.
Nicholls has partnered Wicked Django for all four of those victories, including the pair’s success in the 2024 Grade 2 Autumn Stakes.
The rider was again required to make an important decision approaching the final turn, but Wicked Django responded when asked and kept finding enough in the closing stages.
Paramount Prince held second after his prominent showing throughout, while Rapid Test finished third following a late rally. Side Street completed the first four.
Watsonville Red was scratched by the stewards. The Grand Valley Stakes was contested over a one-turn turf route for Ontario-bred four-year-olds and upward.
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