There are moments in racing when a horse and rider find perfect rhythm — when patience, trust, and timing come together as if written in the script. For jockey Keveh Nicholls and Shotgun Wedding, that story unfolded beautifully on Saturday at Woodbine, where the 3-year-old filly claimed her first stakes title in the Ontario Damsel Stakes with poise and flair.
Nicholls, who has long believed in the filly’s closing kick, executed a plan that blended confidence with calm. Settling off the early tempo set by No Time through fractions of :23.21, :47.12, and 1:12.31, he guided the 7-1 outsider into the clear approaching the far turn. The daughter of Mendelssohn responded instantly, gliding past rivals and taking command at the top of the lane.
As they straightened for home, Shotgun Wedding surged to the front, and though she briefly idled when she hit the lead, she reignited when she sensed company behind her — a sign of maturity that delighted her rider.
“She relaxed really good for me today,” said Nicholls, beaming as he returned to the winner’s circle. “I always wanted her on the outside — she loves that. When I saw the gap down the backstretch, she just rolled up there nicely. Once she heard them coming again, she kicked on.”
Tiz Her Money finished a determined second, just a neck ahead of No Time, while Cue the Duckboats completed the top four. The winning time for the 1 1/16 miles was 1:44.23.
For trainer Jamie Begg, who co-owns the filly under Begg Racing alongside Windways Farm and Upland Flats Racing, this was more than just a stakes win — it was a validation of patient development and belief.
“I’ve always really liked this filly,” Begg said. “I thought she wanted two turns all along. When horses are doing well, I like to run them — and this spot came up and worked out perfectly.”
This victory also marked Begg’s first Woodbine stakes triumph, a fitting milestone in a season that has seen Shotgun Wedding mature into a consistent performer. The chestnut filly has now finished in the top three in six consecutive starts, including a September 7 victory over 6½ furlongs and a runner-up finish on the inner turf just two weeks later.
Bred in Kentucky by Deron Pearson and Patrick Biacone LLC, the filly out of Reluctant Bride (by Speightstown) has compiled an impressive 3-3-3 record from 12 starts. She rewarded her backers handsomely, returning $16.60 for the Ontario Damsel Stakes win.
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