Milton, ON – Nirvana Seelster displayed the determination that’s helped him earn over C$1 million in his career to give trainer Bill Budd a milestone victory Saturday night (Dec. 21) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Nirvana Seelster gave trainer Bill Budd his 2,000th career victory Saturday at Mohawk Park. Photo by New Image Media.

Budd entered Saturday’s card just a win shy of 2,000 for his career and his longtime stable star Nirvana Seelster fittingly came through with a game victory in the C$34,000 Preferred Pace.

Driven by Bob McClure, Nirvana Seelster shot to the lead and went unchallenged through solid fractions of :26.4, :55.1 and 1:22.4. East End angled from the two-hole at the head of the lane and took a short lead with an eighth of a mile remaining.

Nirvana Seelster refused to give up and battled back at the inside to regain the lead late, winning a wild finish in 1:51. East End finished second by a head, while Ellis Park was third by a neck.

Owned by Bruce Davy, Nirvana Seelster scored his fourth win in 30 starts this season and 45th of his career. The 8-year-old gelding has earned over C$1.2 million lifetime. This was his first Preferred level victory since Sept. 15, 2018.

Budd, 68, has been a fixture on the Woodbine and Ontario racing scene for decades. The Waterdown, ON resident started working for Bill Wellwood in 1969 and has made over 10,000 starts as a trainer with his horses earning more than C$19 million.

Sir Luck and Boulder Creek are two of Budd’s most notable students during his training career.

Budd’s stable is enjoying a strong season, posting 52 wins and earning more than C$1.1 million. This marks the third season his stable has surpassed C$1 million.