Trainer Winston Morris saddled his first win of the 2024 racing season, thanks to a dominant performance from Lion of Ekati in the third race on Saturday, September 21.

Lion of Ekati’s triumphant victory came in a three-year-old and upward Optional Claiming ($250,000-$200,000) race that included six-year-olds and upward (non-winners of three) and also for native-bred five-year-old (maidens) over sevenfurlongs (1,400m).

Lion of Ekati, a five-year-old American-bred dark bay/brown gelding, secured a decent start and settled into fourth place behind Heezalion (Raddesh Roman), Purposely (Ramon Nepare), and Six Avenue (Tevin Foster) down the backstretch. As the field approached the half-mile marker, jockey Aaron Chatrie made his move, urging Lion of Ekati forward to take the lead.

Rounding the home bend, Lion of Ekati continued to dominate by lengthening his stride to draw away from the field, transforming the race into a one-sided affair.

Turning for home, Lion of Ekati had a commanding lead. Chatrie guided him across the finishing line with ease, securing a resounding 16 ¼-length victory in a time of 1:32.0 (24.3 x 49.3 x 1:17.3).

Trainer Winston Morris (fourth left) and other connections gather around Lion of Ekati (Aaron Chatrie) after winning the third race on Saturday, September 21, 2024. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)