Seven-year-old American-bred dark bay/brown gelding Lion of Ekati registered his fourth consecutive win after easily brushing aside rivals in the $1-million McKay Security Sprint Trophy on Thursday, January 1, 2026.

Trained by Norman Smith and ridden by Reyan Lewis, Lion of Ekati dominated the four-year-old and upward Claiming event ($350,000-$250,000) over 7 furlongs (1,400m), crossing the finish line 4¾ lengths ahead of the competition with a time of 1:31.4 (25.1 x 50.2 x 1:17.4).

Lewis held Lion of Ekati off the early pace as The Love Of God (Samantha Fletcher) led JJ Warrior (Evertte Clunis), Casual Peach (Tyrese Anderson), and Bad Investment (Raddesh Roman) down the backstretch.

Going into the half-mile (800m) turn, Lion of Ekati began to round horses and quickly hit the front full of running entering the straight. Wasting no time, Lion of Ekati powered home to win easily ahead of Great Trick (Tevin Foster) and El Afortunado (Christopher Mamdeen).