Trainer Mendez makes racing history

THE EDITOR: I wish to extend congratulations to trainer Glen Mendez for his winning horse in the Royal Oak Derby, “Top of the Class.”

What makes it even greater is winning the Triple Crown a second time with “Top of the Class.” This wrote Mendez’s name in the history books as the first ever trainer to accomplish this feat. The first time he did this was with “Carnival Messiah” two years ago. “Top of the Class” also wrote its name in a new track record. I am sure this also made trainer Mendez, jockey Ricky Jadoo and groom Charles Haley even happier than just winning. This horse was also the second to win the Triple Crown at the new Santa Rosa Track. The winning jockey Ricky Jadoo says that he thought that the record breaking Triple Crown winner is still improving, and will win “The Champion Stakes” on November 29. It was also a great success for trainer Mendez with the horse that placed second in the Derby, “Celebration Time.” The joint owners of “Top of the Class,” Mr Leong Poi and Mr Samlalsingh have all reason to be proud of their charge winning the Derby in such fine style, winning by 13 lengths. The sport of Kings is appreciated and admired when such feats are executed by well trained horses.

I hope that the financial problems in the racing industry is a thing of the past, and we would have racing without having to seek financial redress from the government as was done in the past. I have always maintained that the track in Port-of-Spain should have remained to supplement the financial constraints of Santa Rosa. A few years ago when there were talks about building an international track, they were even thinking about reviving Caroni’s track, I told my friend Jim Morris who was manager at Santa Rosa Park at the time, that Santa Rosa Park was the best place for this venture, with the close proximity to the airport and the highway. I am glad my suggestion came to pass. I wish once more to congratulate all who were concerned with winning the Derby and hope that the winning ways will continue and they would land “The Champion Stakes” on November 29 which would end the year a great success for their racing fraternity, and all their racing ventures would continue successfully in the future.

HORACE
DESORMEAUX
Maraval