Vina Arana (IRE) produced an impressive late charge to capture the Grade 2 Nassau Stakes at Woodbine on Sunday, storming clear in the closing stages to win the $200,000 feature for fillies and mares aged three and older. Ridden patiently by Adam Beschizza, the five-year-old bay mare swept past her rivals around the home turn before pulling away for a decisive four-length success.
Woodbine Nassau Stakes 2026
Making her debut on Woodbine’s inner turf course, Vina Arana (IRE) was settled at the rear of the six-runner field during the early stages as Quadruple (GB) broke sharply to set the pace. Equitas tracked the leader in second, while race favourite Sultana was positioned close behind through the opening part of the one-mile contest.
Quadruple (GB) established a clear advantage through the opening quarter-mile in 22.82 seconds and continued to dictate the tempo, reaching the halfway stage in 46.55. Vina Arana remained unhurried at the back of the field before beginning her challenge around the outside approaching the final bend.
The move quickly transformed the race. Vina Arana travelled strongly into contention before taking command shortly before entering the home straight. Once in front, she extended her advantage with every stride to cross the finish four lengths ahead of Equitas.
Sultana finished third, while Bessie Abott (IRE) completed the first four. Salty Senorita was withdrawn before the start. The final time over firm ground was 1:35.40.
The victory marked the first graded stakes success of Vina Arana’s career and came in her fourth outing of the 2026 season. Trained by Jack Sisterson for Sterling Stables LLC and MHM Stables LLC, the mare had entered the Woodbine Nassau Stakes 2026 following a placed effort in the Old Forester Mint Julep Stakes (G3T) in May.
Bred by Funcheon Bloodstock Ltd, Vina Arana is a daughter of Make Believe (GB) out of the Teofilo (IRE) mare Sunset Dazzle (IRE). Purchased for €30,000 at the 2022 Goffs Sportsman’s Yearling Sale, she has now recorded three victories, three runner-up finishes and three third-place finishes from 12 career starts.
The commanding performance in the Woodbine Nassau Stakes 2026 represents the biggest success of Vina Arana’s career to date and strengthens her credentials for further graded turf assignments later this season.
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