Miss Republic, Royal Champion, The Message and Gap impressive

May 07, 2009 Sports

It was another dominant performance by the Elcock Delmur Trading Company stable when the Ryan Crawford Memorial Turf Club in collaboration with Delmur Trading Company, Banks DIH Limited and Rhythm Star International Sound Systems brought off a well organised and coordinated one day seven-race meet on Sunday last at the club’s facilities at Alness Village Corentyne Berbice.

There was a hive of activity as the horses lined up for the feature ‘B’ class1400m event, sponsored by Banks DIH Limited with a top prize of $300,000. With four previous winners so far this year in as many starts from, Miss Republic, Jumbo Joy, Delmur Gold and Annie’s Playmate all lining up for the event, the air of expectancy as usual was high and punters made their last minute placings.
As the starter let fly the gates, Sequins known for sprinting ability, was out like a bullet on the lightning fast track as the chasing pack battled for position. As they galloped down the back stretch, veteran Delmur Gold ridden by Yap Drepaul went after Sequins and quickly reined her in.

Halfway down the back stretch Miss Republic with champion jockey Paul Delph on board, decided to launch an attack as it went to front. Delmur Gold again came with another run bringing the rest of the pack with it, as the two champion runners of the Elcock stables combined nicely in a well coordinated way. By this time Sequins was feeling the pressure as the Animals took the turn on the far side.
As the runners hit the home stretch Miss Republic with a burst of speed, sped away and increased the lead with every stride. Stable mate Delmur Gold also burst out of the pack and like a bounty hunter started to chase as the event ended one two for the Elcock stable.
Mr. Ghansham Singh’s Finally Jade with apprentice Krishna Singh on board came through for third with Sequins holding on for fourth.

The three-year old open event saw Royal Champion once again putting in a championship run to take the $200,000 first prize compliments of RCMTC&SF. The event had its fair share of hype and drama. With the likes of Coconut Boy, Sweet Romance and new sensation Royal Champion lining up for the 1400m event.
Coconut Boy bounced into Sweet Romance throwing the two animals off track as they came out of the gates, with this, Royal Champion of the Ramnauth Stable and piloted by Rupert Ramnauth took full advantage and opened a sizable lead. Jockey Michael Semple on Board Sweet Romance of the Chris Jagdeo stable was able to steady his animal and quickly went after the leader catching up with him halfway down the back stretch.
The two continued to battle into the homestretch, however, Royal Champion, a faster finisher, eased away with Sweet Romance holding on for second. Night Crescendo of the Crawford stable came through for third ahead of Coconut Boy fourth.

The Elcock stable was again in winners’ row in the ‘F’ class gallop as they finished 1, 2, and 4, in the 1300m event. The Message ridden by Krishna Singh send a strong signal of things to come as it tore down the homestretch to canter to victory and take home the $120,000 first prize ahead of World Class ridden by Drepaul and Alphabet coming in fourth with Delph on Board. Laura Lee In Flight separated the stable companions finishing third.

The Gap of Custom Stable, ridden by Prem Chandra showed why it is considered as one of the top sprinters in the country as it out distanced Face D Music with Paul Delph and World Class with Drepaul of the Elcock stable on the lightening fast track. Prospectors Pride came home fourth. The distance was 1400m and the purse was $100,000.
Zebra, owned by Steve Mootoo of the Rumours stable and ridden by Jockey Michael Semple, continued to dazzle in winning the ‘I’ class event ahead of Vanessa, Prixie Fire and Cheyenne in the 1100m sprint and claim the first prize of $80,000.

Wonder Lite of the Ghansham Singh stable ridden by Krishna Singh made full advantage of an excellent start in the Division 1 and 2 event, to take pole position ahead of Power Master and Funny Side. Foolish Pleasure got serious and won the Division three contest, ahead of Little Rani as Roll up the Tassa rolled in third.
In the individual prize giving ceremony, the Elcock Delmur Trading Company stable swept all the prizes up for Grabs with Jockeys Paul Delph and Yap Drepaul copping the winner and runner-up trophies.

Mr. Colin Elcock was adjudged the champion trainer, while his stable walked away with the champion stable prize. Kudos is in order for officials of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority GHRA that were present in secretary, Ghansham Singh, GHRA Chief Steward Francis ‘Chico’ Chichester, Veterinary Officer Dr. Grantley Walrond, Mr. Colin Elcock and Amernauth Kirtipaul for their splendid work.