Strong field sign for First Citizens sprint test Two of this country’s best trainers Glenn Mendez and John O’Brien will start the New Year keeping their rivalry intact as they vie for top honours to signal the start of the 2015 local acing season which is sponsored by First Citizens Bank. The 11-race card will unfold at the Arima Race Club, in Santa Rosa with 126 horses all seeking to open their accounts on winning notes. The days programme includes two feature events on the turf: the Grade Two Sian’s Gold Sprint and the Grade Two First Sprint over 1,200 metres. At yesterday’s launch for the First Citizens Day At The Races, Warren Sookdar, chief information officer, First Citizens, said an exciting day was planned for the traditional opening. Sookdar noted that First Citizens and the Arima Race Club shared a long, prosperous relationship together with the company being sponsor of the New Year’s Day card for the past nine years. “Because of this extensive relationship, it is not just my pleasure, but my honour to announce the sustained union between the ARC and First Citizens in 2015.” He continued, “The 2015 edition of First Citizens New Year’s Day at the Races will be the eleventh year for us. This milestone has given us as a sponsor the prime position of now having a decade of varied yet memorable experiences of this event. Trust us, at First Citizens New Year’s Dat at the races, we have seen it all. He asked, ‘Does that include sporting glory? Let’s see. In 2008 right here on these tracks a young apprentice jockey with composure beyond his years, guided locally bred ‘All For Java’ to a three-quarter length victory in the Sian’s Gold Sprint. That was then 18 year old Keishan Balgobin. How about controversy? He asked. The 1100 metres First Classic is shielded to be run off on the turf course, but jockeys are adamant that the track is slippery and dangerous. The stewards are rejecting and begin to seek replacement jockeys. After a thirty-five minute delay the race is shifted to the main track. “Sweet Alex’ takes home the $90,000 first prize cheque and returns to the winner’s enclosure amidst much jeers. That happened in 2009. “So we have had glory and controversy but can we boast of being home to any significant career achievement? In 2011 female Canadian jockey , Chantal Sutherland took her very first ride at Santa Rosa Park atop “Honourable Mention” and little did she know that her shouts of success would later be drowned out by defining cheers of the crowd as she pushed “Will Power’ to a clear 3 3/4 length victory in the First Citizens Optional Claiming event. Certainly a moment of joy and I’m sure many of you can recall tragic moments as well. Nonetheless, all of these moments – the good and the not so good form part of the long partnership between First Citizens and the Arima Race Club in staging this event. Like any other sport, horse racing is dynamic , thrilling and able to produce any or all of life’s varied experiences on and off the track. Sookdar continued, “Speaking about off the track, we have seen the excitement of parents and children as they line up cheering on their favourite contenders. This event has become an opportunity for bonding and teaching the values of sportsmanship. A social investment we do not regret. Additionally, we are well aware of the economic advantages of investing in the industry but we are also pleased that it is just as financially viable for the many vendors who line the entrance on our raceway eager for a great day of business. That is the beauty of about this event : there is impact on both the larger and smaller end of the spectrum. This partnership with the Arima Race Club has been exciting, fulfilling and beneficial and we thank them for their support over the years. In closing, if you are not convinced about anything else , I hope I have persuaded you that without fail, First Citizens New Year’s Day at the Races is as good as any or better; for horse racing. You never know what you’ll be missing so plan to be there on Thursday, January 1st,. 2015.” There is an exciting card planned including the First Citizens Sian’s Gold Sprint, a grade two race for three-year-olds and over, racing over 1,100 metres on the turf for a purse of $150,000, of which the winner will receive $90,000. There is also the First Citizens First Sprint run over 1,200 metres open to three-year-olds. This race will also be run for a purse of $150,000.” Champion trainer O’Brien seems to hold the whip hand with DanubeWaltz and AbsolutelyChrome. ControlUnit trained by Mendez is also entered. AmericanRanger which has won its first two starts will make this a very competitive affair. In the Sian’s Gold Sprint, a field of eight horses took entry inclusive of Stewards Cup winner CrimeOfPassion which will be ridden by Nobel Abrrego for trainer John O’Brien. Also so entered is Shaffique Khan trained Holyman which will be saddled by Ronald Ali. Glenn Mendez has WildExcitement entered with Wilmer Galviz together with last year’s winner IndianMedicine and SacredTrust which is trained by Jose William Samaroo. However, record holder and turf specialist Fly Junior will be in the line-up. The Maniram Maharaj-owned and trained speedster and holder of the 1,100 metres track record will be tough to catch if the race stays on the turf. The studfarm Association Trial Stakes over 1,350 metres look an easy target for O’Brien with BetterLateThanNever which will be partnered by Emile Ramsammay. King Ronan and HailTheChief will go after the $75,000 purse in this event. Source:: Guardian Sports The post Strong field sign for First Citizens sprint test appeared first on Trinidad & Tobago Online. #trinidad
Posted on: Sun, 28 Dec 2014 10:18:37 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015