“I watched Cold War run and win under jockey Regina Sealock. I saw her win races on this big, black gelding that ran in a simple “D” bit and not much else. He was uncomplicated with a lot of heart!
Regina and I both rode for Vern Fernandes. He only trained a handful of horses with the help of his friendly wife Pat. Vern and Pat told me that they acquired Cold War as an add-on to a horse they were actually buying. The previous owner said, ‘take him…he’s too hard to deal with.’ So they brought Cold War and their new prospect to Fort Erie and let the training begin.
Under the guidance of Regina, Cold War was wining races. Then on August 13, 2006, the race before the Peace Bridge Cup, Regina got hurt and I was called on to ride him. I remember being excited and knew we could win this race. And win we did!
Cold War and I went on to win multiple stakes races and allowance races from Fort Erie Racetrack, to Woodbine Racetrack, to Presque Isle Downs, in 2006-2007. Cold War was in second place in wins, trailing by one in North America. Every time I rode him, he gave me all he had and more. It never matter what surface he faced, he always ran his hardest and came through for me.
We may have never been everyone’s favourites but we showed up with our heart, desire and trust in each other. We always tried our best and he taught me that even though we are not always the morning line favourite, if we put our faith and passion into what we do, anything is possible.
I am happy to say that Cold War is living his retirement in leisure, and it is well deserved!
I think of him often, especially when I’m faced with challenges. Knowing that he gave me 110 per cent, I know I owe myself the same honour and courage that he gave me when I was asking him for his best.”
By Monique Dionne, for Ontario Horse Racing
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