Nobals takes the Kennedy Road

TORONTO, November 15, 2025 – Nobals showed once again why he’s one of the toughest sprinters on the continent, returning to Woodbine and successfully defending his title in Saturday’s $175,000 bet365 Kennedy Road (G2) with Rafael Hernandez aboard.

Mike Burns Photo

The 2023 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner looked completely in his element over the Toronto oval. Hernandez allowed the 4-5 favourite to settle comfortably in third early as Western Whirl and Reload’s Rascal cut out sharp fractions in the six-furlong dash for older horses.

Western Whirl held a narrow lead over Reload’s Rascal through an opening quarter in :22.26, with Nobals sitting just over a length behind. The pace remained hot after a half in :44.85, the front pair still locked in battle as the field rounded for home.

Hernandez tipped Nobals outside at the top of the stretch, and the seasoned gelding responded instantly. He surged past the leaders midway down the lane, but the win didn’t come easily—Lucky Score launched a powerful late rally, followed by Awesome Bourbon and Society’s Thunder closing strongly.

At the finish, Nobals dug in and held on by half a length, stopping the clock in 1:09.85. Lucky Score originally crossed the wire second but was disqualified to fourth, elevating Awesome Bourbon into the runner-up spot and Society’s Thunder into third.

Hernandez, who also partnered Nobals to a narrow second-place finish in last month’s Nearctic Stakes (G2T), praised the horse’s versatility and professionalism.

“My plan was simple: let the speed go and sit right behind them,” said Woodbine’s leading rider in both wins and stakes wins this year. “It set up perfectly. Horses with his class make your job easy.”

Trainer Larry Rivelli, who recently celebrated his 2,000th career win, offered his thoughts moments after the race in a trademark all-caps text: “GOOD RIDE! GREAT HORSE!”

For Nobals, now six years old, Woodbine continues to be a happy hunting ground. He set the track record of 1:07.63 in the 2022 Woodstock Stakes and won last year’s Kennedy Road in 1:08.59. Saturday’s victory improved his record to 13 wins, 6 seconds, and a third from 30 starts, pushing him even closer to the $2-million earnings mark.

Bred in Kentucky by Dr. John A. Chandler, Nobals was a bargain buy at just $3,500 (U.S.) at the 2020 Fasig-Tipton Fall Yearling Sale. He returned $3.80 to win.

Congratulations to Nobals, Patricia’s Hope LLC, trainer Larry Rivelli, and rider Rafael Hernandez on another outstanding Kennedy Road triumph.