Melmich Breaks Track Record in Valedictory

Stephen Chesney and Cory Hoffman's Melmich left no doubt Nov. 29 at Woodbine, smashing the course record for 1 3/4 miles by nearly two seconds in the $150,000 Valedictory Stakes (Can-III).



The gelded 4-year-old son of Wilko  , a $20,000 claim by trainer Kevin Attard in September of 2014, took command of the race in the last of three turns and galloped home under Eurico Rosa da Silva to win by a widening 10 1/4 lengths, hitting the wire in 2:55.81 over the synthetic main track. The previous record was set back in 2011, when Eagle Poise ran 1 3/4 miles in 2:57.62.



"This horse was feeling great," said da Silva, who won 201 races at the Woodbine meet. "He came into the race very sharp—very, very sharp—calm, and he was ready to run. He was galloping all the way. In the end, believe me, I could have gone way faster."



Since being claimed, Melmich has a 7-1-1 record from 10 starts for Attard, but the Valedictory was his first graded score.



"We've been very fortunate," Attard said of his 2015 season, which has featured 48 wins for the trainer. "It's been a blessing of a season. I could have never expected it to pan out the way it did, but we've got the support of some good owners, and a big thank you to my staff. They work really hard and really want to win, and it's a whole team effort."



Patrioticandproud finished second and champion Pender Harbour, who made the final start of his career in the Valedictory, was third 



An 8-year-old Philanthropist gelding, Pender Harbour ended his standout career with a 12-10-8 record from 41 starts, with more than $1.8 million in earnings and 10 stakes victories.



Melmich, off at even-money, paid $4, $2.70, and $2.30 across the board. Patrioticandproud brought $6 and $3.10, while Pender Harbour delivered $2.40 to show.



Bred in Canada by Andrew Stronach, out of the You and I mare Little Swoon, Melmich has a 9-5-1 record from 20 starts and earnings of $340,296.