FOLLOWING her upset victory at the Kennard Memorial Turf Club’s Post-Emancipation meeting two Sundays ago, Chantress returned to take the feature event at last Sunday’s People’s Progressive Party/Civic-organised fund-raising event which was held at the Rising Sun Turf Club. The animal, which is owned by Dennis De Roop and running out of the Simple Royal Stable of Corentyne is quickly becoming the horse to beat, as she galloped down the track with Trinidadian jockey Brian Harding in the saddle, to take the $1M first prize in the 1600 metres event. According to reports, Harding just flew into the country, compliments of The Habibulla and Simple Royal stables to turn things upside down, while he walked away with the Champion Jockey honours.
Seven horses left the starting gates in an even break with the lead changing hands constantly, while Harding kept Chantress tucked away in the bunch.
As they took the backstretch, all seven horses increased their speed and were going at a blistering pace in sweltering heat, led by Marathon Man who was running like his name suggests, leading the pack into the far turn.
Chantress, an American-bred D2 classified horse and Grand De Roja another American-bred horse riding out of the Jumbo Jet Stables with Jamaica’s Andron Findlay in the saddle, started to make their move on the leader.
As they turned into the homestretch, all seven horses were galloping at a much faster pace than before, towards the finish line, but Chantress, who displayed her liking for long distances at the KMTC turf, displayed her true championship material once again to come out on top in a close finish over Grand De Rojas, Marathon Man and Zelik in that order.
There was nothing abnormal in the Three-years-old 1600m event for Guyana and the West Indies-bred horses, as Captain Crook of the Jumbo Jet stable with Yhap Drepaul in the saddle took top honours ahead of Work Force, Swing Easy and Big Impact for the $500 000 winner’s prize and trophy.
Pinch De Cash of the Rumour’s Stable with Kumar Singh in the saddle, did just enough to take the $500 000 top prize and trophy in the E class 1600M event ahead of The Bailiff, Got to Go and South Sea respectively.
Serenity of the Jumbo Jet stable with Drepaul riding had no difficulty and won the West Indies-bred two-years-old 1100M and the $400 000 prize money, from Happy Choice, Rock Sonia and Times Have Changed in that order.
Prado’s Gold of The Asrafally stable with Findley in control struck gold with a big win in the Class G 1100 metres event over Work Force, The Gap and Zelona to take home the $400 000 prize.
It was a blessed day for the Shepherd Stable as Blessings, ridden by Kumar Singh, ran away with the $300 000 first prize in the Guyana-bred two-years- old 1100m event ahead of Speed Girl and Baby Flyer.
Harding was again in the stirrups as Dream Girl won a gate-to-pole race in the H class 1600m event and the $220 000, from Pixie Fire, Royal Champion and Princess Renuka, while he rode Royal Salute to victory in the I-1 event that covered a distance of 1100 metres, from Mon Lisa, Royal Time and New world
Mona Lisa took a victory when Apadhu of the Crawford Stable sailed away with the $140 000 in the I-3 race from JD Junior, Royal Salute and Pinky, but not before Desmond guided Flying Object to victory in the Division 1, 11 and 111 1100 metres event.
The Jumbo Jet stable was adjudged the top stable on show in the day’s event which saw over 90 horses participate and close to $10M in cash and prizes being distributed to the respective winners. Mingles Sound Machine provided musical entertainment.