On a crisp autumn afternoon at Woodbine, Silawi (IRE) proved that courage and determination still count for more than odds. Sent off at 10-1, the five-year-old bay gelding fought tooth and nail to claim the Grade 1 Canadian International, holding off a fast-finishing Tawny Port by the slimmest of margins — a nose that separated triumph from heartbreak.
For jockey Faleh Bughenaim, the win was more than just a professional success — it was a stroke of fate. “It’s a lucky day for me,” he smiled after the race. “Daniel [Tudhope] couldn’t make his flight, and Hamad [Al-Jehani] gave me the chance to ride. Silawi (IRE) is one of the best in our yard, and he showed his class today. I’m just happy I could do it justice.”
Silawi (IRE) dominates early, digs deep late
Breaking sharply from post seven, Silawi (IRE) wasted no time asserting command over the 1 ½-mile test for older horses. He cruised through the opening quarter in :23.69 and reached the half in :47.30, always keeping Nations Pride (IRE) — the 2023 winner — a couple of lengths at bay. My Boy Prince and stablemate Haunted Dream (IRE) settled behind them, biding their time.
Trainer Hamad Al-Jehani, who had also saddled Haunted Dream (IRE) to win the Grade 3 Singspiel Stakes last month, knew precisely what his front-runner needed. “This course rewards horses that stay in front,” he explained. “We knew Nations Pride (IRE) is a serious rival, so our plan was simple — go forward, make the pace, and trust Silawi (IRE)’s heart. He didn’t let us down.”
Turning for home, the leader still looked full of running, though Tawny Port loomed dangerously in the final furlong. With less than 100 yards to go, the two were locked in battle, strides matching, hearts pounding. At the wire, Silawi (IRE) clung on — just barely — stopping the clock at 2:27.52. Tawny Port finished 1¾ lengths ahead of Nations Pride (IRE), with Dancin in Da’nile taking fourth.
A career-defining moment for Silawi (IRE)
The Canadian International marked a milestone for the son of Dubawi (IRE), who has raced across France, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and England before making his North American debut. Owned by Wathan Racing, Silawi (IRE) arrived at Woodbine fresh from a Group 3 Winter Hill Stakes victory at Windsor in August — but this win, on foreign soil and against elite company, was his coming-of-age moment.
“It’s not a surprise,” Al-Jehani reflected with quiet pride. “From the time we entered him, I believed Woodbine would suit him. The team worked hard, and today it all came together.”
Bred by Wertheimer et Frere, Silawi (IRE) hails from a distinguished family — out of Silasol (IRE), a dual Group 1 winner, and a sibling to multiple stakes performers. The victory improves his record to 4 wins, 4 seconds, and 4 thirds from 26 starts, and returned $22.90 to his backers.
For more international racing stories and updates, stay tuned to RaceBuzz.
