The region’s biggest horse race is going to be without _its most decorated champion.
Patrick Husbands won’t be riding this year’s Sandy Lane Gold Cup, having shockingly turned down a chance to sit aboard defending champion and 2017 horse of the year Dorsett after his initial mount was a last-minute scratch from tomorrow’s big race day.
The 45-year-old legendary jockey confirmed the news after the Gay Smith-owned Chip Leader didn’t make it out of quarantine in Miami earlier this week.
“Yeah everyone knew I was to ride Chip Leader but then Dereck Smith called me Monday at 11 o’clock and said he had bad news for me because the horse came down with a problem and wouldn’t be riding the Gold Cup,” Husbands said.
“I mean I still could have ridden in the Gold Cup because I was offered Dorsett, and that’s a wonderful horse, but I wasn’t going to do that on principle because Darryl Holland was already down to ride Dorsett _and I would never do that to any jockey, especially _one that I have so much respect for.
“Of course, it’s going to be hard to just sit down _and watch the Gold Cup but my three-year-old daughter is going to be here with me so she will get the chance _to enjoy the entire day watching the races with her daddy,” he added. (JM)
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