Successful trainer Barbara Heads likely most disappointed to see Hastings meet end

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The final two days of the live thoroughbred racing season at Hastings Racecourse are set for Saturday and Sunday, and the most disappointed person to see the meet come to an end is trainer Barbara Heads.

“I just wish we could keep going,” said Heads, who had a remarkable season.

Heads will finish second behind Steve Henson in the trainer’s standings but first in money won with $571,246 in earnings. She also picked up an extra $172,356 with three stakes wins at Century Mile in Edmonton.

At Hastings she won 12 stakes races including the unprecedented feat of winning the four major races at Hasting with four different horses: August Rain — Grade 3 B.C. Derby; Avana — B.C. Oaks; Apprehend — B.C. Premiers; and, to top things off, Infinite Patience closed out her career with a dramatic victory in the Grade 3 Ballerina.

Heads has been the leading trainer at Hastings but counts this year as her most memorable season as a trainer.

“It was an unbelievable year,” she said. “It is something you thought could never happen. For me it was better than being leading trainer. And, of course, the highlight was seeing Infinite Patience go out a winner.”

Heads became a little emotional when talking about how Infinite Patience closed out her career with a thrilling victory over Bunny in the Ballerina. Despite breaking a step slow under Antonio Reyes, the only jockey to ride her at Hastings, Infinite Patience recovered quickly and duelled with Air Force through honest early fractions in the 1 1/8-miles race.

After disposing of Air Force, Infinite Patience was immediately collared by Bunny at the top of the stretch. Bunny got her head in front approaching the wire, but like a true champion, Infinite Patience battled back and wouldn’t be denied.

“I became very religious coming down the lane,” said Heads. “I just did not want to see her go out getting beat by a nose. It would not seem appropriate. When she broke bad, I just thought it wasn’t meant to be. Knowing it was her last race and considering everything she has accomplished and overcame; it was a special moment.”

Infinite Patience retired with a 22-2-2 record from 32 starts for earnings of $928,700. By a nose she ended up second to Spaghetti Mouse, who is the all-time, B.C. bred leading money winner with $929,850.

Infinite Patience was bred by William DeCoursey, who along with Edmonton Oiler Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, own the seven-year-old daughter of Sungold.

“As far as I know, they have not decided who they are going to breed her to,” said Heads. “We were laughing about when I said why not breed her to Apprehend.”

Apprehend will be a popular stallion when he retires but Heads said he will remain in training and be pointed to the Longacres Mile next year.

Heads said Avana will be back at Hastings in 2025 where she will try to extend her six-race win streak. August Rain is also returning for owner Peter Redekop, who also races Avana and Apprehend.

“It is something to look forward to,” said Heads.

Congratulations to leading jockey Amadeo Perez, leading trainer Steve Henson and likely leading owner Willow Creek Farms, which has a three-win lead over Rob and Sheena Maybin.

SATURDAY SELECTIONS: FIRST RACE 2:30 P.M.

RACE 3: BRIAN’S DELIGHT is coming off a solid effort in his first try with open company in an $8,000 claimer for trainer Charlene Miller on Sept. 29 and will appreciate the easier company with the drop in class.

RACE 7: ARTISTIC JEWLER drops into an easier spot following a runner-up finish for trainer Robbie Henson in a $6,000 starter/optional race and is reunited with jockey Reyes, who won the last time he was aboard the seven-year-old daughter of Tonalist.

SUNDAY SELECTIONS: FIRST RACE 2:30 P.M.

RACE 1: AVE’S IN COMMAND goes for his fourth win in a row for trainer Rob Maybin and should be long gone if he breaks on top with usual rider Christopher Mamdeen aboard.

RACE 7: In a wide-open event it seems appropriate the leading trainer and leading rider will team up to win the last race of the meet with QUAGMIRE, who is versatile and can either take them all the way or stalk what should be an honest pace.

Randy Goulding has been handicapping horses and writing for The Racing Form at Hastings Park for more than 30 years. His column will run every Friday throughout the racing season.

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