Chantress gallops away with $1M event at  KMTC meet
THE old adage ‘Save your best for last’ was evident last Sunday at the Kennard Memorial Turf Club’s (KMTC) Bush Lot Corentyne race track when Yhap Drepaul guided the America-bred Chantress to an upset victory over a star-studded field to take the feature event by a neck. Gillium, with Rupert Ramnauth in the saddle and Tiger’s Prospect that was being ridden by Michael Semple, led the field as they left the gate and passed the club house for the first time, with Gotto Go, Miss Karina, Dubai Duchess and Chantress in the chasing pack in the seven furlongs event.
As they approached the second turn, Dubai Duchess and Gotto Go made up ground on the front pair, while Drepaul observed the happenings from the back of the pack, until they approached the penultimate turn for home.
He piloted his charge with the greatest of ease through the pack on the near rail and past the frontrunners on the stretch for home, edging past Tiger’s Prospect with just under 10 metres to go, to take the first prize of $1M and the Carib Beer trophy, compliments of Ansa McAl.
Tiger’s Prospect, Gillium and Gotto Go finished second, third and fourth respectively and after the win, Dennis De Roop of Simple Royal Racing Stables and owner of Chantress said the race was a warm-up for this Sunday’s Guyana Cup which will be held at the Port Mourant Turf Club.
“Even though we won today, she is not 100% fit. Come next Sunday, she will be in peak form and condition and with the track at Port Mourant being more firm, she will run an unbelievable race and timings that have never been seen in this country before, when it comes to horse racing,” said De Roop.
In the first race of the day, M. Ali piloted Miracle Silver to victory in the first of three five-furlong race, over Royal Intention, ridden by Thakurdial, Cash Connection with Daniel Floris on board and JD Junior, piloted by Willi, taking home $140 000 and the IPA Clear Water trophy.
Floris chalked up his first victory on his way to the Champion Jockey title, when he guided Majestic to a come-from-behind victory over Fresh Prospect and Top of the Line in the Class E and Lower six furlongs event, to carry off the $350 000 and Balram Satrohan trophy in the process.
Prem Chandra and Settle in Seattle were the first two to cross the finishing pole in the Two Years Old West Indies-bred five furlongs race, ahead of Something in Stylish, Rock Sonna and Ciera Choice respectively, to take the Romey Ramnarine-sponsored trophy and $200 000 cash prize.
Mark Nascimento gave the small but appreciative crowd on hand something to cheer about, when he steered De Lyan to a pole-to-pole five lengths victory over Royal Time, Extra Heat and Royal Salute respectively in the I and Lower six furlongs event.
Royal Champion, ridden by Ramnauth who owns and trains same, displayed his class by coming from the back of the nine-horse field to take the G and Lower six furlongs event from Dream Girl, La Ruffian and South Sea respectively, to hand his owner the $240 000 cash prize.
Other winners on the nine-card event were Work Force who chalked up his maiden win in the three-years-old G and Lower event over Bio Fuel, Face De Fire and Sweet Miss respectively, while Black Water took the final race of the day, when Chandra steered him to victory in the R and L Class five furlongs event over Prince Bayaya, Great Prospect and Arthur.
Horse owners and trainers now turn their attention to the Jumbo Jet-organised Guyana Cup which takes place this Sunday at the Port Mourant Turf Club and will have over $25M in cash and prizes up for grabs, while the first 1 000 spectators will receive special memorabilia.