by LINDON YARDE BARBADOS TURF CLUB (BTC) president Sir David Seale is on the prowl for yet his eighth Gold Cup victory but says the prestigous horse race will be very competitive.
“We are all looking forward to a very competitive race and we have three of the best creoles, which are the best we’ve had in years competing along with Bodie Tap. It’s no easy race,” he told NATION SPORT last Saturday as he awaited Night Prowler’s exercise gallop at the Garrison Savannah.
“As for Night Prowler, when he came up for sale, being by the sire Giant Causeway, it had its advantages right away. He is a nice horse, the splitting image of Aristodemus. Aristodemus is also the son of Giant Causeway as you know, and won us the Gold Cup in 2012,” noted the veteran horseman, who has been operating in the industry for the last five decades.
Sir David also said the BTC was still in business basically because of Sandy Lane Hotel’s participation in the Caribbean’s premier horse race.
“They go all out to have it done. It has worldwide interest and for that the club could never thank them enough for what they are doing for races,” he said.
Asked to shed some light on the club’s proposal to have night racing at the Savannah, Sir David said it could soon become a reality based on what he has been hearing over the last couple of months.
“We are to get the okay from the Government. Maybe I can hold out for two weeks or maybe Monday I can be surprised, but we are ready. Everybody is ready, but as you know Government operations move slowly,” he said.
Sir David attributed the non-participation of countries such as Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Martinique in the Gold Cup in recent years to finances.
“The problem is one of cost. In fact, Trinidad has done us a great favour by sending horses here. Our dollar is stronger than the Trinidad dollar. So that means their expenses are very high. But it still takes a good horse to win the Gold Cup,” he said.
Meanwhile, Richard Seale, manager of the Hopefield Stables operation, said the stable acquisition of Night Prowler was a different approach with a view to winning the 38th running of the race.
“We were looking for a horse in the United Kingdom, which is our tradition. We nearly got one, but the deal fell through. So we then turned to the United States and had Saffie Joseph Jr. look for us and we stumbled across him.”
“It is ironic that Ken and Sarah Ramsey are not coming this year and that left a void in the race, so Night Prowler brings that American flavour to the race.
“It is better to have the horse come in temporary. If he comes permanent, it’s a longer quarantine period, which is probably little more disadvantageous. We are fortunate to have him and then he will go back to the USA and race,” Seale said.
SIR DAVID SEALE will be hunting his eighth Gold Cup triumph. (FP)
