TORONTO — Irish-bred Silawi, a 10-1 pick, took the early lead and then held on to win the $750,000 Grade 1 Canadian International turf race by a nose Saturday at Woodbine Racetrack.

Silawi and jockey Faleh Bughenaim appeared to have the win well in hand midway down the lane. But Tawny Port, sitting sixth after 1 1/4 miles, came on strong less than 100 metres from finish line.

Silawi held on to win the 1 1/2-mile turf race by a nose in 2:27.32. Defending champion Nations Pride, another Irish horse, was third in the 10-horse field.

“It is a lucky day for me,” said Bughenaim, who picked up the mount when Daniel Tudhope was unable to ride. “Daniel told me he cannot get the flight and Hamad (trainer, Al-Jehani) gave me a chance to ride.

“He’s one of the best horses we have in our yard in Ne

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