Lexie Lou - Filly Fantastic

The last time jockey Patrick Husbands rode his way to a Queen's Plate victory was back in 2003 aboard Wando.

So you can excuse the level of excitement from Husbands after his stunning win in the 155th running of the first leg of Canada's Triple Crown Sunday at Woodbine Racetrack.

Husbands bolted from the 14th spot aboard filly Lexie Lou and quickly settled mid-group down the back stretch in the 1.25 mile race, only to outpace the 15-horse field down the stretch for a decisive length-and-a-half victory in just under 2:04.
Husbands received his trophy in the winner's circle and kisses on the track apron as he headed back to the jockey's room, below.

Husbands will now try to repeat with Lexie Lou what he did with Wando 11 years ago - and that is win the Prince of Wales Stakes and the Breeder's Stakes to capture another Triple Crown.
Also joining Husbands in the winner's circle on the day was jockey Justin Stein, below, who brought Alpha Bettor in for the fourth race and Niigon's Queen across first in the fifth.

Husbands' other victory on the day was aboard Jack Pine, below, getting a celebratory shower following the race.

Topping the win column for jockeys was veteran Eurico Rosa da Silva who managed three wins on the day - none better than his win with Overheard in race seven as four horses cruised across the finish line within a neck of winning.
Da Silva gestures to the crowd, below, as he crosses the finish line...

...and earns his stripes, below, as one of Woodbine's winningest jockeys.

Of course, Queen's Plate day at Woodbine isn't all about the racing. There's the fashion, too, and always the hats.

And a chance to pose with a well-dressed model outside the track at the Hats and Horsehoes event.