Ward’s Ninepoint victory

NINEPOINT SIX-NINE pulled off his second consecutive heist in back-to-back outings when he shocked raging hot favourites Northern Star and Donicodidit yesterday at the Garrison Savannah.

The six-year-old chestnut gelding, which is owned by D.D. Haynes and trained by Hayden Nicholls, benefited from a magnificent front-running ride by jockey Affrie Ward in the featured Happy New Year Trophy Handicap over 2 000 metres.

Ward sent Ninepoint Six-Nine to the lead from the gates on the Barbados Turf Club’s first racing day of the 2017 season. He increased the lead with every furlong; six clear with a mile to go effortlessly became 12 lengths going toward the half-mile stage.

Meanwhile, Donicodidit, not known for any early speed, settled in second position with Northern Star and Danny Boy following him. (LY)

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