IT was a million-dollar finish for Top Ranking on Sunday, as the champion horse claimed victory in the feature match race at the Demerara Turf Club Gymkhana.
Racing fans gathered at the Perseverance track witnessed an impressive
performance, as Top Ranking stormed to the finish line, securing both
bragging rights and the lucrative top prize.
After top thoroughbred Risky Affair was forced to withdraw from the finals, following a breakdown just a day earlier, the purse was reduced from $1.5 million to $1 million.
With Risky Affair out of the running, the stage was set for a head-to-head showdown between World Boss and Top Ranking.
Following the call to the post, both horses approached the starting gate for what would be a dramatic two-horse match race.
When the gates opened, World Boss burst out with speed and fury, taking the lead into the first turn. Between the first and second turns, Top Ranking launched an attempt to overtake, but World Boss held strong.
However, at the second turn, World Boss slipped when his left leg gave way, causing the jockey to be unseated. Although the horse quickly regained
balance and continued running, the jockey was accidentally dismounted and fell to the ground.
This mishap cleared the way for Top Ranking, who took full advantage and cruised to an easy victory, capturing the million-dollar prize on offer.
In Race 1, L2 competitor Rude Boy secured a commanding victory, followed closely by Spice in second and Secret Death finishing third.
Race 2, featuring horses in L3 and lower classes, saw Damage Control
assert dominance, edging out strong challengers Hardel and Magnum.
Race 4 showcased a thrilling finish as Kiss overtook Monica Time to claim the top spot.
The meet was organised by the Demerara Turf Club, delivering an exciting day of racing action.
The end