Once again racing powerhouses Lord Michael Taylor and Sir Charles Williams have repeated as champions in their respective categories at the conclusion of the 2012 racing year of the Barbados Turf Club.
For Taylor, it is the fifth consecutive title for his Blue Diamond Stables whose final winning figure was $520 680 from 248 starters.
These included 23 wins – 11 from 98 starters in the first season and 12 from 105 starters in the second season. He didn’t have any winners in the third season from 41 starters.
Despite topping the half million dollar mark, it will easily go down as a sub-par year by their usually high standards. It is hard to find an outstanding horse from the stable, which only won one feature race – the Breeders Sprint Stakes & Trophy over 1 100 metres with Vitality.
The exit of jockey Paul Eddery provided opportunities for several riders starting with then apprentice Reshaun Latchman. But during the second season, Latchman and other top riders withdrew their services from the stable.
Conscious of their dwindling performances, Blue Diamond Stables has offered 18 of their best horses up for syndication. Hopefully this can bring about a change in their fortunes.
Sir David Seale took second place with Hopefield Stables scoring 13 wins from 87 starters and earning $360 118. Gold Cup winner Dancin David and Aristodemus were their major players.
Sir Charles finished third with 11 wins from 66 runners and earnings of $247 164, while Gay Smith’s Springhead Stables captured fourth spot, also with 11 wins from 117 starters and earnings of $231 003.
Horses bred by Sir Charles entered the winner’s enclosure 26 times, thus ensuring the business mogul was rewarded for his planning and businesslike approach to the breeding industry.
He retained his Breeders Championship title for the fourth consecutive year with earnings of $495 363 from 204 starters.
From his main operation, Broomfield in St Lucy, Sir Charles’ experience, technical skills and success in the trade, speak volumes. Pride of place in 2012 goes to Derby and Tanglewood winner Kendal Moon.
Gay Smith came second in this category with 11 wins from 117 starters which all earned $231 003. Karl M. Honensee, breeder of Dancin David fame was third amassing $212 145.
Bruce Bailey, with seven wins from 101 starters took fourth with earnings of $190 000.
Like the owners and trainers, the breeders titles are all decided on money earned.
