By Greg Douglas – Dr. Sport

 

SCENE & HEARD: Dixie Jacobson is our very own real-life Happy Face emoji.

The Hall of Fame owner and breeder was wearing “that look” again last Sunday when Dixie and husband Roy celebrated Sedin’s first win of the season with their son-in-law and trainer Mark Cloutier.

Dixie’s ever-present smile is infectious. And we’ll be seeing it again as this year’s stakes schedule continues full steam ahead with the running of the $50,000 Supernaturel on July 15.

As Richard Yates so eloquently shared when Dixie was inducted into the British Columbia Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2015, the chestnut filly Supernaturel was part of a true love story in the early 1980’s.

“An anniversary present changed Dixie’s life and her involvement with horses,” Yates wrote. “Roy bought her a horse named Sorority Chick for their 20th anniversary.  It cost $6,400 at the Fall Mixed Sale in 1982.  Sorority Chick became better known, after being renamed, as Supernaturel as she won $272,000 while running for purses that were about half of today’s levels.

“Supernaturel won nine stakes and placed in 12 others. She ran first or second in 35 of 48 career starts and ran third only once.  Hall of Fame trainer Don Morison said she was the most honest horse he ever trained.”

Supernaturel was Leading Older B.C.-bred Filly or Mare in 1985, 1986 and 1987 and was Leading Older Filly and Mare in ’85 and ’87 in the Open Division. She was also nominated for a Sovereign Award.

Mark Cloutier, by the way, is steadily making a move in this year’s Leading Trainer standings. With Sedin’s win last Sunday, Mark heads into this weekend tied with Greg Tracy with nine trips to the winner’s circle, behind Mike Anderson.  They’re all chasing front man Phil Hall at 16.

FINISH LINES: With British Columbia Lieutenant-Governor Judith Guichon otherwise busy with well-documented political issues these days, long-time racing friend and former Attorney General of B.C. Wally Oppal Q.C. celebrates Canada Day with us as Guest Decorator for the 58th running of the Lt. Governors this afternoon.