The 2011 horse racing season got off to an enterprising start when Prince Charming of the Elcock Stable won the feature event in the Ryan Crawford Memorial Turf Club meet on Sunday at Alness, Corentyne, Berbice.
The imported horse, Prince Charming, was too much for the other horses down the homestretch and this ensured its first win on local soil. The horse won the $350,000 top prize and the Banks DIH trophy for the 1100m sprint event.
In a race that saw the horses jostling for positions Gullium of the Jagdeo Stable with Paul Delph in the saddle, held on for second place. Delmur Gold battled all the way to keep his third place spot ahead of King Maker, also of the Jagdeo Stable.
Top of the Line, ridden by Delph of the Jumbo Jet Stable, produced a fine performance in the F Class to steer the steed to the top prize of $240,000 and the GTM trophy ahead of Fairly Landing, Face De Music and Laura Lee in Flight in another 1100m sprint race.
Super Cat of the Rommel Jagroop Stable, which was ridden by Colin Ross was unstoppable, continuing its superb form from gate to pole in the three-year-old event for horses born and bred in Guyana. It was the horse’s fourth consecutive victory at that facility. It had also dominated the two-year-old events last year.
Rounding out the money were Royale Salute, Prince Renuka and Daily Millions; the win was worth $200,000 and the Jus’ Water Trophy.
Stormy Lass of the Habibulla Stable, which was mounted by Yap Drepaul, was the first to cross the line in the G class event ahead of Stormy Deal, Pegasus Rising and Bob Fortune. The horse won $200,000 and the Rakesh Trophy.
There was much fanfare when Elcock Stable’s Celebration Time, jockeyed by Kevin Paul, earned the $150,000 top prize and the John Ali Trophy. Dream Girl, Prospector Pride and Royal Champion trailed in that order in the 1200m event.
Crawford Stable’s Mona Lisa copped the I class event and $120,000 ahead of Clear Victory, Beyonce and Extra Heat. Colin Ross got another win with Try Again in the JKL class to take away the $100,000 first prize and the Dahoo Auto Sales Trophy; Beyonce, Sporting Time and Silver Kid rounded out the money.
Meanwhile, the top jockey on show was Yap Drepaul while Ross and Paul were give honorary mention. The Elcock Stable was adjudged the best stable on show and received accolades, compliments of The Ryan Crawford Memorial Turf Club and the Trophy Stall of Bourda Market.
Seventy-five horses took part in the event.
