Congrats to Stanley House

Mike Burns Photo

The Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association of Ontario extends our heartfelt congratulations to the connections of Stanley House on a thrilling stakes triumph in the $100,000 Niagara Stakes at Woodbine!

Under the guidance of jockey Leo Salles, the hard‑trying 5‑year‑old broke sharply and set the pace with confidence, leading gate‑to‑wire over 1¼ miles on the É.P. Taylor Turf Course. After an opening quarter in :25.18 and a half in :49.04, Stanley House continued to extend his advantage, ultimately winning by a commanding four lengths in a time of 1:59.38, just a handful of ticks shy of Woodbine’s course record  .

Trained by Mike De Paulo for owners John and Diana Russell, this victory marked Stanley House’s first stakes win and demonstrated his grit and consistency—coming off a multiple graded‑stakes placed resume and tallying a fourth win in 22 career starts  .

Leo Salles described him as “a very talented horse,” noting how the stretch to turf at 1¼ miles suited him perfectly. Trainer De Paulo admitted that turning for home he was unsure—but Stanley House proved him right with a gutsy performance from start to finish

On behalf of all Ontario horsemen and horsewomen, HBPA Ontario salutes the dedication and teamwork behind Stanley House’s sensational stakes debut. It’s victories like these that highlight the passion and caliber of Ontario racing.

Congratulations to Stanley House, Leo Salles, Mike De Paulo, and the ownership team — here’s to many more stakes moments ahead!