By: Chris Lomon
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, star centre of the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers, spoke with
Ontario Racing and offered up his selections for Saturday’s Queen’s Plate at Woodbine.
A thoroughbred owner – he currently has two horses racing for his R.N.H. Stable at Hastings in Vancouver – the 25-year-old was named as a finalist for the 2018 King Clancy Memorial Trophy, awarded "to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community."
He’s also making his name known in Western Canadian racing circles.
In 53 career starts, Nugent-Hopkins has eight wins, 17 seconds and 12 thirds.
“Horses have always been a big part of my life,” said the first overall pick of the Oilers in 2011. “Being in the stands, watching them compete, it’s really cool to see them race.”
His love of horses and horse racing has taken him to the Kentucky Derby and Woodbine.
“It was unbelievable,” said Nugent-Hopkins of his Derby experience a few years ago in a story featured on NHLPA.com. “The atmosphere – you can’t really put it into words. I know that a lot of celebrities and athletes will come out to watch. My family and I had a great time.
“I’ve also been to Woodbine once with my parents when I was young,” he continued. “I’d definitely like to get back there again soon, maybe catch a Queen’s Plate one day. It’s another great place to watch the races.”
And while he won’t be one of the thousands in the stands to see the race live, Nugent-Hopkins will definitely be tuning in to watch the 159th running of the Gallop for the Guineas.
“I love watching the Queen’s Plate,” he told Ontario Racing. “It’s definitely a race I always like to see.”
And this year, Nugent-Hopkins handicapped the race and offered up his top three selections and one longshot.
Here are my picks for the Plate. I wish all the connections the best of luck on Saturday.
1 – Telekinesis
2 – Wonder Gadot
3 - Aheadbyacentury
Longshot: Cooler Mike
For more on Nugent-Hopkins and his affinity for horse racing, click the link for his story featured on NHLPA.com
https://www.nhlpa.com/news/1-12116/down-the-stretch-they-come
More Top Racing Headlines