Miss Republic destroys opponents to take the feature event

Apr 06, 2010 Sports

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– Upsets and controversy order of the day

Those who turned up for the Mega Easter Sunday Horserace meet organised by the Port Mourant Turf  Club in Berbice had more than they bargained for as it was racing at its best despite a controversial ending to the Guyana & West Indian bred 3 year-old race.
The Meet lived up to all expectations and had all the ingredients that made it a jumbo event with close finishes, upsets, fantastic crowd and the betting boys, all part of the day’s activities.
However, what was not catered for and took the cake was the controversy that overshadowed the event in the three-year old race for Guyana and West Indian bred horses.
Billed as one of the feature events for the day’s card, the race lived up to all expectations.
As anticipated, it was Zenyatta of the Jumbo Jet stable with Venezuelan jockey Yumar Carmona aboard that was out of the gates like a shot from a gun in the 6 ½ furlongs battle for the $350,000 first prize compliments of the Organisers.
Zenyatta led the race as they headed towards the back stretch, but Peaceful and Celebration of the Colin Elcock stable immediately went after the leader and by the half way stage they had managed to catch the leader with Peaceful and the experienced Paul Delph in the stirrups taking up the running shortly before they turned for home.
The frenetic battle continued and the horses were tightly bunched at that stage, but Peaceful still held a marginal advantage as they turned for home.
The determined Zenyatta, however, was still in the running and as they approached the one furlong marker came with a storming run on the outside, but Peaceful strongly hand ridden by Delph withstood the final surge from Zenyatta as the horses flashed past the post together.
The reaction from the turfites suggested that Peaceful had managed to stave off the finishing burst of Zenyatta, but the judges thought otherwise, handing the Jumbo Jet stable the race much to the consternation of the handlers and fans of Peaceful which immediately stirred a vociferous protest from the Elcock stable.
Many asked how without the help of electronic equipment a decision could be arrived at so quickly.
What followed after was chaotic as the handlers of Peaceful lodged a protest and prevented the organisers from going ahead with the presentation ceremony which should not have taken place since a protest was on the way.
Celebration was adjudged third with Zeliona fourth.
The matter is to be investigated by the GHRA.
There was no controversy in the feature ‘B’ class mile and distance event as Miss Republic of the Elcock stables with Paul Delph again on the mount took matters in its own hands to delivered a telling victory by some six lengths and take away the $500,000 top prize compliments of Banks DIH and the Rabbie Tickaram trophy.

Sweet Carmel started with a blaze of speed hotly pursued by Delmur Gold and Home Bush Baby as the animals headed into open country. Along the back stretch it was a one for one affair with the lead changing rapidly. However, as the animals headed into the far turn it was then that that Miss Republic began to make its move with Delph timing his acceleration to perfection, quickly started to distance itself from his opponents, going on to batter his rivals.
Annie’s Play Mate of the Chandra Sohan Stable with Overseas base Surrendra Singh on board came through for second ahead of Tropical Passion and the much touted Home Bush Baby.
Pinch the cash of The Rumour’s racing stable with Yap Drepaul on board grabbed a big portion of the days stakes with a big upset in the much anticipated E class One Mile event as it gallop away with the $260,000 first prize and the Fiesta Fish Shop and Archway Snackette trophy from a very competitive field. Sea Rocket, Sweet Revenge and Mattarazzi rounded out the top finishers.
There was a close finish in the ‘G’ class event. With another  top class field line up for the race in their quest for the $160,000 top prize and trophy compliments of Jumbo Jet Auto sales over 1000metres.
The lead change hands on numerous occasions as none of the animals were allowed to get away. As they entered the home stretch the same trend continued and in the end the judges awarded the victory to Maracas Star of the Jumbo jet stables with the Venezuelan Yumar on Board over Stylish Line of The Jagdeo Stable with Kumar Singh riding. Zip A De Do Dah and Romantic Passion rounded out the money.
Pixie Fire ridden by Daniel Flores blazed to victory in the ‘I’ Class event sponsored by Digicel to win from Clear Victory, Fantastic Light and Funny Side. The win was worth $150,000 and the Digicel trophy over 1300M.
Fantastic Light of the Harpaul stables with Andrew Sancho in the stirrups came back to win the second I class race which was also sponsored by Digicel. Mona Lisa, Lyana and Miracle Silver came home after. The win was worth $120,000 and the distance was 1600M.
The division 1&2 1300M race also had a winner’s money of $120,000 compliments of the Organisers and Sunshine Snackette. Dream Girl of the Chico Singh stable ridden by Surendra Singh continues to have a wonderful time on the track with victory over Lenny’s O Halo, Silver Kid and Bounty Flyer.
Diplomat of the Matthews stable piloted by Mark Vassie had a royal time as it won the L class race 1000M race and the $80,000 first prize compliments of Kris Jagdeo Construction and Money Gram from Black Beauty, O Master and Beyonce.
Jockey Yumar, who rode for the Jumbo Jet stables was adjudged champion jockey and he received his trophy from Ramesh Sunich, Proprietor of the trophy stall Bourda market.
Over 70 Horses took part in the day’s proceedings which had prize money totaling over $3.5M
Meanwhile, Digicel’s Head of Sales & Distribution Nalini Vieira and Business Development Manager Gavin Hope were all part of the proceedings.

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