War Court is aiming to make a significant impact at the graded level as he faces four competitors in Saturday’s $175,000 Durham Cup (G3), a 1 1/16-mile race on the main track for horses aged three and older.
Under the guidance of trainer Ron Sadler, War Court’s dependable and determined spirit impressed the experienced trainer immediately after they teamed up over a year ago. Sadler praised the 8-year-old son of Declaration of War, calling him a “very genuine horse” who “tries every jump of the way.” While not a front-runner in terms of speed, War Court consistently delivers strong finishes when given the opportunity.
War Court, bred by Chiefswood Stables—recognized as Canada’s Outstanding Breeder and Owner of 2025—last ran in the Seagram Cup Stakes (G3) on August 1 at Woodbine, finishing fifth. His 2026 campaign began with a seventh-place finish in a 7 ½-furlong allowance turf race on June 20, also at Woodbine. Throughout the year, he has faced tough graded stakes competition including Paramount Prince, Runaway Again, and Ice Chocolat.
Sadler noted the challenges in finding suitable preparatory races for War Court, admitting that they have been “facing bears” with stiff competition and limited prep opportunities. Despite this, the chestnut gelding started last season strong, capturing two wins and a third in his first three races after a layoff in 2024.
Sadler fondly recalls War Court’s early performances after their partnership began on July 6, 2025, highlighting a talented run at seven furlongs where War Court finished third despite the distance being a bit short for him. The horse’s two victories in 2025 both came at the same 1 1/16-mile distance on the main track as the Durham Cup, a race he previously contested in 2023, finishing fifth.
With a career record of five wins, one second, and three thirds from 16 starts and earnings nearing $189,000, War Court is back for another shot at the Durham Cup. Sadler, who narrowly missed victory in the 2024 running with Ron’s Gizmo, hopes for a strong showing. “We’d like to win, so we’ll see if he’ll cooperate,” Sadler said.
Jockey Keveh Nicholls will be aboard, with Teon Walker serving as War Court’s groom. In recent workouts, War Court completed five furlongs in 1:01 flat on September 4 and improved slightly to 1:00.20 a week later on the main track. Sadler explained, “We generally don’t ask for fast works, but we let him work a little bit better this time… He’s galloping out as well as he works, so we’re very happy.”
Some historical notes: Inferno won the first Durham Cup in 1906 and again in 1908, while Basqueian claimed three consecutive titles from 1994 to 1996. Legendary Hall of Fame trainer Roger Attfield holds the record with six wins in the race.
The betting options for the Durham Cup include Rolling Double, Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, Pick 3 on races 9-10-11, and $1 Swinger wagers.
Here is the Durham Cup field (G3):
- William T (S) – Fraser Aebly – Don MacRae
- Friendly Ghost (S) – Emma-Jayne Wilson – Evette Chartrand-Hoek
- Maycocks Bay – Pietro Moran – Michael Stidham
- Sedburys Ghost – Romero Ramsay Maragh – Barb Minshall
- War Court – Keveh Nicholls – Ron Sadler
This article was originally published by Paulick Report on September 16, 2026.
Fan Take: War Court’s continued pursuit of graded stakes success underscores the resilience and heart that make horse racing captivating. For fans, his story highlights how seasoned competitors can still shine and elevate the quality and excitement of the sport’s premier events.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
