Veteran jockey Colin Ross produced a masterful front-running ride aboard Hot & Lucky to secure a major upset in the feature event of the Emancipation Cup race meet at the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club on Sunday.
Hot & Lucky, an underdog from Nathan Racing Stables, led from the start and held on strongly to complete the one-mile contest in one minute and 40 seconds. Gryphon finished second, while favourite Front Line Warrior made a late charge but had to settle for third. Stormy Victory completed the top four.
With several leading operations, including JS Racing Stables, Slingerz Racing Stables, Master Z and Jumbo Jet Racing Stables, absent from the programme, Jagdeo Racing Stables appeared set to dominate the meeting. However, Ross and trainer Deonarine Ramroop combined to deliver the biggest surprise of the day.
Ross quickly took Hot & Lucky to the front and controlled the pace throughout the race. Front Line Warrior only found top speed during the closing stages but was unable to catch the leaders.
The victory was Hot & Lucky’s first in Guyana and came in only the horse’s second local appearance after finishing third in May. The result also produced an emotional celebration, with Hot & Lucky owned by a teenager with special needs who was at the centre of the post-race activities.
The seven-race programme was staged under bright sunshine and began with Lion Heart storming to victory in the L Class event. Doctor J placed second, followed by Perfect Trip and Sakar.
JanoStar, ridden by Yovin Kissoonchand, captured the Nursery Stakes for two-year-old Guyana-bred maidens. Chelsea finished a close second, while Princess Alesha and Just in Time placed third and fourth, respectively.
Boss Lady dominated the Emancipation Sophomore Stakes, winning the contest for two-year-old Guyana-bred maidens by 10 lengths. Ocean Star finished second, ahead of High Beam and Lady Cash.
Miracle Boy showed determination to win the Emancipation Mile Stakes for three-year-old Guyana-bred maidens and horses with one previous victory. Glory Queen placed second, while Risen Star and Black Beauty followed in third and fourth. Jockeys Arvin Dhanraj and Yovin Kissoonchand were unseated from their horses during the event.
Jagdeo Racing Stables secured the top two positions in the fifth race, the H Class and Lower contest. Theory of Colors moved through along the inside to claim victory, while stablemate Sydney finished comfortably in second. She WBO on Time placed third and Mufasa was fourth.
Brazilian newcomer Turmalina Negra was withdrawn from the Emancipation Classic Stakes for W Class non-winners and horses in the Open to F and G Classes. Oy Vey then gave Jagdeo Racing Stables another victory with a dominant performance. Converter finished second, while Qurbaan’s Kingdom secured third.
Several of the country’s leading horses were rested ahead of the 18th running of the Guyana Cup, scheduled for August 23 at the Rising Sun Turf Club.
More than $66 million in cash and prizes will be available at the Guyana Cup, with the leading stables expected to introduce new horses for what is being promoted as the most lucrative event in the history of horse racing in Guyana.
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