Score’s Even was billed to win yesterday’s feature A and Lower 1400m (seven furlongs) event of the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club Race Meet.
Treacle did not get the memo.
The four-year old mare with champion jockey R. Drepaul in the stirrups sent turfites at the club’s Bush Lot, Corentyne track into a frenzy as she galloped to an upset victory over Guyana’s premier thoroughbred to pocket the $1M first prize.
Treacle stormed out of post number one and bided her time while the other starter, Run Nana Run set a blistering pace under the partly cloudy skies.
Score’s Even ridden by Randolph Richmond and Treacle then changed gears after three furlongs and passed Run Nana Run in a flash. The six-year old 1000-pound gelding then kicked clear and opened up a half-length lead on Treacle who was seemingly given a breather by Drepaul.
And then the race started to unfold.
Much to the excitement of the thousands of the horse race fans, Treacle challenged Score’s Even and closed the gap with every powerful stride.
With two furlongs for the finish, the two horses were now neck and neck enjoying a two-length lead on the pacesetter. And then it happened.
With one breathtaking surge over the final furlong, Treacle of the Habibulla Stables seemingly never tired, changed gears again and finished a half-length ahead of Score’s Even to earn the biggest win of its career.
“This is a great day for me” said owner Nandram Dookie. “I have to thank God for this, I did not expect this horse to win this race today but I am proud and thankful.”
Earlier in the day, Treacle also won the F and Lower event ahead of Damascus Dream, Top of the Line and Gold Rush.
Score’s Even who had won all four events it entered last year had to settle for the $500,000 second prize in the feature while half that amount went to Run Nana Run.
Last year, the Dennis Deroop owned steed won the feature events of the Guyana Cup Fever on March 31, the Digicel Horse Race Classic on August 11, the President’s Cup on October 6 and the Champions of Champions Meet on December 22.
In the co-feature, H and Lower race, Third World controlled proceedings from the gate and never relinquished the lead.
The first prize of $250,000 went to its owner.
Part Time placed second and carted off $125,000 while Easy To Win which faded badly in the homestretch pocketed $63,000 or finishing third. Funny Side placed fourth.
Meanwhile, other winners for one of Guyana’s premier horse racing events which rewarded the owners with excess of $9M in prize money included Wild Grinder (G3 and Lower) Lady Secret, (J3 and Lower), I Will Get Another (3 Year Guyana Bred) and Famous Pride (J and Lower).
Notes: Yesterday’s meet was originally scheduled to be staged on Boxing Day but was postponed due to inclement weather. Entertainment to the thousands of turfites was provided by Fantasy Feast Sound System. Some major sponsors include Torginol, the Trophy Stall, DDL, Digicel, GT&T, Ansa McAL, Giftland Office Max, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Metro and the Berbice Bridge Company. (Emmerson Campbell)
