Stronach Runner Smashes Woodbine Turf Mark

Stronach Stable's Royal Regalia shattered Woodbine's one mile E.P. Taylor Turf course record Thursday, covering the distance in 1:31.84.

The mark, just .21 of a second off the world record set by Elusive Quality at Belmont Park on July 4, 1998, cut nearly a second off the previous Woodbine best time, set by Numerous Times (1:32.79) in the Atto Mile (Can-I) on September 9, 2001.

Royal Regalia, a 6-year-old grey/roan gelded son of Cozzene, was ridden to the 4 ½-length win by Jono Jones under 120 pounds. The five-time winner stalked rival Relaunch Star, who set the fast fractions of :22.14 and :43.93 under a powerful tailwind of, before taking advantage at the top of the long stretch and drawing off resolutely into the strong head wind.

The Kentucky-bred won the $77,000 allowance race for trainer Justin Nixon, returning $8 to win.

Awesome Action was second with Control Tower another half-length back in third.

(Chart, Equibase)