Sequin of the Jumbo Jet stable continued its dominance in the C class event and along with Finish Touch who had two clinical runs to finish off his opponents were the highlights of the day at the Anjue and Hamlet Park, Mahaicony end-of-year horse race meet last Sunday.
With overcast conditions for most of the day, the Nazarudeen Mohamed owned Sequin was able to sparkle as it continued its dominance in the C class category to win the $3M Banks DIH first prize and the Naljit Memorial trophy in the 1,200M sprint, which was the distance for all of the races.
It was a ding dong battle between Sequin and the American Bred Irish Gel running out of the Roney Stable in a two-horse race. Sequin took an early two length lead but by the half way mark, Irish Gel which was being ridden by jockey Nascimento found renewed energy and with a bolt of speed was in front by some five lengths. However, as the horses turned for home, Sequin lived up to expectations as a champion horse and with jockey Colin Ross on the mount, was able to regain its composure and exploded to not only retake the lead but win the race and maintain its unbeaten run. Two scintillating runs by Finish Touch in the J and K and the I and Lower event respectively were also impressive performances. Running as its name suggests, Finish Touch from the Mahaicony Racing Stable with Jockey Drepaul aboard was able to upstage its more seasoned opponents in two upset victories. For the win in the J and K race, Finish Touch pocketed $80,000 as Untouchable, Rukia and Red Bull occupied the other spots. In the I and lower event, the champion horse with a bolt of speed came through to win by some six lengths to take the $90,000 first prize. In second position was Rukia while pre-ace favourites Kavinci and New World finished third and fourth respectively.
In another entertaining race Sacrifice of the Rumours Racing Stable crucified its opponents to take the F class and $150,000 prize on offer. After being the last horse out of the gates, Sacrifice ran down the rest of the field to take the lead by the half way mark which was extended to the end. Rude Boy and Brave Heart had to settle for second and third.
The two-year maiden race was taken by Time Dancer of the Ramroop stable with jockey Drepaul in the saddle. The win was worth $150,000. In second position was Over the Mat while Tidal Wave sailed in third.
Miracle Mind also of the Mahaicony Racing Stable spun some magic to take the L class $75,000 race that covered a distance of 1,200m ahead of Easy Go and Custom Warrior. Strike De Fire was in a destructive mood as well when it burned up its rivals in the L class grade 2 sprints to run away with the $60,000 first prize from Ms Prince with Timeless being caught in the times, finishing third.
Champion jockey was Drepaul while the champion stable prize went to Mahaicony Racing Stable while M Persaud was adjudged the champion trainer for the day’s event which had over $2.5 million in cash and trophies on offer in an incident free day of horseracing.
The track was in excellent condition despite some rain during the week and with improved facilities and a new grandstand in place, the scores of spectators were treated to some exhilarating races. (Calvin Roberts)