Close finishes, upsets, controversy and an electrifying crowd highlighted the Easter Sunday Horse race meet at the Port Mourant Turf Club (PMTC).
Controversy reigned when race officials hastily awarded the three-year-old, six and a half furlong race for Guyana and West Indies bred horses to Jumbo Jet’s Zenyatta, boarded by Venezuelan Jumar, ahead of Colin Elcok’s Peaceful, ridden by Paul Delph.
The eventual result of the $350,000 race was protested by the Elcok Stable but the presentation proceeded and Stabroek Sport understands that the matter will be investigated by the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA).
At the start of the race, Zenyatta was out fast and held the lead for about half of the race before Peace and Celebration, of the Elcock’s Stable, made a move and caught Zenyatta. Peaceful took the lead and stretched the race out a bit but close to the end Zenyatta, pushed by Jumar, caught the leader before the beasts crossed the line in photo finish style.
In the end the officials declared Zenyatta the winner, probably because of his closing out speed down the homestretch. Celebration placed third with Zeliona galloping in for fourth place.
Thankfully, there was no controversy in the feature `B’ class mile and distance event. Paul Delph, sitting in the stirrup of Miss Republic, ensured there were no mistakes when his horse beat the rest of the field by almost six lengths. The winner took away $500,000 compliments of Banks DIH along with the Rabbie Tickaram trophy.
Miss Republic made her move and took control of the race at the far turn of the back straight with Delph doing every thing right in the saddle.
Afterwards, he quickly distanced Miss Republic from the rest of the field before the race ended; Annie’s Playmate, of the Chandra Sohan Stable with Surrendra Singh on board, came through for second ahead of Tropical Passion.
In other results Pinch the Cash of The Rumour’s Racing Stable upset the much touted E class one mile event when it galloped away with the $260,000 first prize and the Fiesta Fish Shop and Archway Snackette Trophy. Sea Rocket, favourite Sweet Revenge and Mattarazzi rounded out the top finishers.
With another top class field in the G class, there was another close finish with Maracas Star of the Jumbo Jet Stable and ridden by Jumar taking the top prize of $160,000. Stylish Line, of the Jagdeo Stable, Zip-A-De-Do-Dah and Romantic Passion placed second and third respectively.
Prixie Fire galloped to victory in the I Class event sponsored by Digicel over Clear Victory, Fantastic Light and Funny Side over 1300m for a top prize of $150,000 and the Digicel trophy. It must be noted also that Fantastic Light of the Harpaul stables had to battle to secure the pole position in the second I Class race which was also sponsored by Digicel.
Mona Lisa, Lyana and Miracle Silver came home second, third and fourth respectively; the win was worth $120,000 after the 1600m race.
The division one and two 1300M for $120,000 saw Dream Girl of the Chico Singh stable winning ahead of Lenny’s O Halo, Silver Kid and Bounty Flyer.