BREEDERS have been challenged to breed "quicker, faster, and stronger horses".

The challenge was thrown out by Barbados Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (BTBA) president Rawle Batson during a Press conference at the Barbados Turf Club's (BTC) Garrison headquarters yesterday.

The conference was called to give details
on the Michael Parravicino Memorial Hopeful Breeders' Stakes & Trophy which runs off at the Garrison on Easter Monday.

Still standing

Batson said it appeared to him race horse breeders were no longer breeding faster and stronger creoles, and he backed up this assertion by saying there were several creole records still standing
after 13 years.

In this regard, he mentioned a record held by then two-year-old Bonnie Blueflag which he said was still on the record books.

The BTBA president thanked Realtors Limited for its continued sponsorship of the Hopeful Stakes.

The company has sponsored the event for the past nine years, the last six of which has been to honour the memory of the late Michael Parravicino, who, according to Batson, wasinstrumental in
"looking after this race".

Winning chance

He predicted that Monday's feature would be "one of the most exciting races for a while",
for in addition to the outstanding Fresh Milk, there were at least five other horses in with a winning chance.

Nick Parravicino, chairman of Realtors Limited, said it was a pleasure to sponsor the race once again, especially to honour the memory of his late son Michael, whom he said loved horses.

He said breeding and racing horses was a Parravicino family affair, involving his wife, son Roger, grandchildren and great granddaughter.

Parravicino added that, on behalf of Realtors, he was honoured to present a cheque for $20 000 to go towards the feature race.

Chris Armond, BTC racing operations manager, said the Hopeful Stakes was one of five such races being organised by the BTBA on a yearly basis.

He said Monday's feature race should give an indication as to the horse or horses to watch for the Banks Barbados Guineas, the first leg of the Triple Crown, which is scheduled to run off next month.

In moving the vote of thanks, BTC director Lord Michael Taylor praised the Parravicino family for "giving their all to racing".

He said the club was gratified to see the family continuing the sponsorship of the Hopeful Stakes, including the "magnificent trophy".

Thank you

He gave a special thank you to Sheila Parravicino for her behind-the-scenes work to make the race a reality and he also praised the BTC's office staff for their day-to-day efforts.

Entries for the Michael Parravicino Memorial Hopeful Stakes & Trophy.

1. Royal Emblem 126; 2. Marcus Aurelius 126, 3. Happy Go Lucky 121, 4. Music Lover 121, 5. Mystical Magic, 6.Fresh Milk 121, 7. Vandross 126, 8. Zoom 126, 9. Houdini 126, 10. Gudfridie 126, 11. The Bangor Baron 126, 12. Exploding Lady,
13. Golden Moon.