David dances after review

(Lennox Devonish)

By Lindon Yarde | Sun, July 01, 2012 - 12:03 AM

PICTURED: Apostle, with Antonio Whitehall (foreground) passed the finish line first but was disqualified by the stewards for interference. Second placed Dancin David, ridden by Anderson Trotman (outside), was declared the winner. On the inside is Areutalkintome with Jalon Samuel aboard.

IT WAS NOT the ideal ending to the perfect script, but when the dust settled the Sir David Seale-owned bay horse and Gold Cup winner Dancin David emerged victorious in yesterday’s Amstel Cup race over 2 000 metres at the Garrison Savannah.

Before a fair-sized crowd on the firm track, the Liz Deane-trained horse took the honours after finishing second, behind Apostle, in the race for three-year-olds and older animals rated 118-140 (weight for age) and also for horses rated 117 and below.

When the gates opened, Apostle and Show Me The Money contested the lead for the first three furlongs, with Areutalkintome in third, followed by Dancin David, Giovedi and Daga racing as a team with Graeme Hill at the back.

Going into the club house turn, the lead changed as Show Me The Money picked up the running, while the race became a six-horse affair as Daga lost her jockey.

Three furlongs from home, Apostle cruised into the lead, bringing Show Me The Money under pressure while Areutalkintome, Giovedi and Dancin David all took closer order.

Entering the home stretch, Apostle looked strong, with Dancin David and Areutalkintome as his main challengers.

With about one furlong left, Apostle’s only threat was Dancin David, who closed the gap considerably and was travelling full speed with sirens blaring.

He would get only as far as Apostle’s back legs when the son of Bandman out of Peace Token drifted to his left taking the path of Dancin David.

This interference forced jockey Anderson Trotman on Dancin David to check his mount, while Apostle continued on the outside for the win, much to the delight of his faithful supporters.

Dancin David recovered to gather the second spot from Areutalkintome with Jalon Samuel in the irons while the early pace-setter Show Me The Money partnered by Antonio Bishop finished fourth.

Shortly after the horses passed the finish line an enquiry was called while the objection light burned brightly on the tote board against the winner Apostle. After a brief delay the much-anticipated decision was announced to applause from Dancin David’s fans; the top two positions were switched.

Apprentice Whitehall was found guilty of irresponsible riding.

The final results would be Dancin David first, Apostle second, Areutalkintome third and Show Me The Money fourth.

Amidst all the drama, the local champion Apostle proved once again that pound for pound he is still a force to be reckoned with.

Racing moves into its fifth day with the staging of the Midsummer Summer Creole Classic for the top three-year-olds over 1 800 metres next Saturday.