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Shariff Stable takes charge as California Strike whips field at Alness
It was an excellent day for Horseracing with the sun out in all its glory and what a day it was for California Strike of the Mohammed “Nankoo” Shariff racing stable and ridden by top jockey Colin Ross to hit top form and strike gold as it defied the odds and defeated Guyana’s number one racehorse Score’s Even.
California Strike of the Shariff stable with Colin Ross astride, strikes the winning $1M prize in the feature ‘A’ class event ahead of Score’s Even amidst foolhardy displays of fans encroaching the track.
The occasion was the Alness Turf Club grand one day meet at Alness Corentyne, Berbice.
California Strike, imported from the famous Kentucky, USA and carrying a weight of 111 pounds with a classification of D2, ran an excellent race to create the biggest upset of the year so far to win the feature A and lower 1600M event, the $1M and Richmond Trophy.
Both the Shariff and Simple Royal stables entered the event with two animals each. In the main event, which started in an even break, Church House, known for its speed, took the early lead and was joined by stable mate Score’s Even with Richmond in the saddle.
Into the back stretch pace was frenetic, the experienced Ross guided California Strike into position. California Strike made ground into the far turn urged on by Ross. Into the final straight, California Strike closed the gap and when called upon by Ross the racehorse ‘changed gear’ and cantered home to wins by about six lengths.
Score’s Even moved away from Church House for second with Bridal Stone Corner storming in fourth. Incidentally, California Strike, which had previously beaten Score’s Even, was imported from the same farm by Dennis DeRoop.
Speaking with the media, Shariff said that notwithstanding Score’s Even acclamations, he had all confidence that California Strike would win the race. “It was well trained, it had some good work outs and looked good at practice. Add to that, Ross is a good jockey,” he stated. He is looking forward to more duels with the two horses.
DeRoop was graceful in defeat, “I am a bit disappointed yes. But it’s good for the sport and the horses that won I also imported. I brought both of them the same time,” he noted.
It was a good day for the Shariff stable as they took charge of the G3 and lower 1400M event. Shooting Star with Colin Ross on the hunch shot out of the starting box early and never looked back as it romped away with the $275,000 top prize and trophy ahead of Bridal Stone Corner, Marathon man and Another Jet.
Party Time of the Parmanand Stable ridden by Ajai won the ‘I’ and Lower 1400M event worth $200,000 and trophy from Affinity and Lady Secret.
The J class 5 furlongs winner was Road is mine of the Gray Stable and ridden by Ramnauth as it won from Slim Shady, Famous Pride and Red Jet.
The K class 1000M race saw Speed Vision ridden by Rad Drepaul of the Khan Stable speeding away from Iron Man and Fit to Fight.
Porridge of the Jagnanan stable with Richmond riding won the L and lower event from Fit to fight, Brown Boy and Sweet man. Six of the eight planned races were held.
The champion Jockey on show was Colin Ross. The Sheriff stable raced away with the champion stable accolade.
Crowd control was a problem as turfites encroached the track during races in a dangerous, unruly and foolhardy display due to the absence of police at the venue. (Samuel Whyte)
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