TORONTO - Ventura came on strong down the stretch to record a historic win in the 13th running of the $1-million Woodbine Mile thoroughbred race Sunday.
Venture came from well back to take the lead and become the first filly or mare to win this event. She had an unofficial time of 1:32.04 at Woodbine Racetrack on a firm turf.
With the victory, Ventura, the 2-1 co-favourite with Bribon, captured a berth in the Breeders' Cup Mile event Nov. 7 at Santa Anita in California.
Ferneley, a 6-1 pick, finished second, with Sterwins, owned by Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk, was third at 9-1 odds.
The Woodbine Mile was the richest of three stakes events on Sunday's card.
Just As Well was awarded the win in the $750,000 Northern Dancer Turf, a 1 1/2-mile race for three year olds and up. Marsh Side crossed the finish line first but fourth-place finisher Champs Elysees claimed foul on Marsh Side and Quijano, the No. 3 horse, afterwards.
