Trainer?Andrew Nunes and jockeys Anderson Trotman and Antonio Whitehall shared the spotlight on Grand Stand Posse Raceday yesterday afternoon at the Garrison Savannah with treble strikes.
In ideal racing conditions on a firm track, Lady Luck shone on the connections of Lady Quill as she was awarded the feature race The Grand Stand Posse Mervyn Rollins Crystal Vase Handicap over 1 800 metres.
That event for three-year-old and older horses rated 58-80 was filled with drama.
Tornade took the lead from Lady Quill, Grand Slam, Reward Me, Vandross, Proud Bajan and Uncle Jerry.
At the three-furlong marker, Tornade and Lady Quill became engaged in a fiery battle for the lead.
Closers Reward Me, Vandross and Uncle Jerry could be seen making rapid headway. Lady Quill brought the field into the home stretch, while Tornade relented on his inside. The trio of Uncle Jerry, Proud Bajan and Vandross in the middle all became tightly embroiled in a mid-strech scrimmage.
No sooner had Uncle Jerry crossed the finish line first than the enquiry light flashed like a beacon on the tote board.
It was not long before an amended verdict was returned. Uncle Jerry piloted by Reshaun Latchman was disqualified and placed last.
The new result would read first, Lady Quill ridden by Antonio Whitehall; second, Reward Me partnered by Darryl Holland. Tornade with Jonathon Grant astride hung on for third while Proud Bajan under jockey Anderson Trotman took fourth.
Trainer Nunes sounded a fair warning to his would-be challengers for the three-year-old Classics later this year.
First, he recorded a resounding victory with the Senator John Hutson BCH-owned Nuf Trouble under rider Trotman as they took the Grand Stand Posse Paul Best Trophy Handicap Division-A for West Indian-bred three-year-old over 1 570 metres.
Nunes showcased more ammunition as his charges Open Secret, ridden by Antonio Whitehall, Watery Moon partnered by Kyle Carter, and Gorgeous with Anderson Trotman in the saddle took the top three positions in Division B of the above mentioned race. Fourth was Divine Destiny with Antonio Perch in the irons.
The top two finishers are owned by Sir Charles Williams, while his wife Lady Williams owns the third-placed horse.
Jockey Whitehall’s other win came astride the John D. Chandler-owned Sweet Bottom Suzy who comfortably took the Grand Stand Posse Maiden Stakes and Trophy Handicap for West Indian-bred four-year-olds over 1 100 metres.
Apart from his win astride Nuf Trouble, champion jockey Trotman landed with Iamsogroovy for Aysha Syndicate in the Grand Stand Posse Crystal Bowl Handicap for West Indian-bred three-year-olds over 1 000 metres.
Then for good measure Trotman confirmed his return to form with a silky smooth pole-to-pole ride for Sir David Seale astride Golden Moment as they won the Grand Stand Posse Glendon Belle Crystal Vase Handicap for three-year-old horses rated 50-75 over 1 100 metres.
