Smooth Operator to defend Sian’s Gold title

SMOOTH OPERATOR will race from the middle position in the 11-horse field in the Sian’s Gold Sprint, feature race on the Arima Race Club New Year’s Day programme at Santa Rosa Park, Arima. The Maniram “Boboy” Maharaj-trained six-year-old chestnut gelding, who captured this event on the opening day of the just concluded season, will defend his title in the 1100 metres turf event, from the six hole in the Grade Two event. This position was pulled for the son of Nosferatu/Too Sweet by trainer Maharaj at the draw for post positions of the speed contest held yesterday, on Level Two of the Grand Stand at Santa Rosa Park. First Citizens Bank chairman Larry Howai, whose FCB are sponsors of the day’s ten-race programme said, his bank was pleased to be associated with such an auspicious day’s racing.

He added: “By dint of hard work by the Arima Race Club, racing has come a long way. “We hope our sponsorship will develop and contribute to take the sport further.” He touched on the First Citizens Bank Jockeys’ Championship, an added feature on the holiday card where six teams, comprising two riders each will compete in three races for prize money worth US$10,000. “This championship will add a special sparkle and a new dimension to the day,” he said. Teams competing will comprise international riders Emile Ramsammy (Trinidad) and Patrick Husbands (Barbados). The top Canadian-based riders will form the All Star team, Panama will be represented by Nobel Abrego and Rojidan Ramirez, Canada by David Clark and Richard Dos Ramos, Venezuela by Wilmer Galviz and Larry Munoz, Barbados by  Paul Leacock and Quincy Welsh, and the local team will be champion Brian Harding and runner-up Ricardo Jadoo. Each of the three races will comprise 12 runners and the winners will be determined by a points system —  12 for a win, seven for second, five for third, three for fourth, two for fifth  and one for sixth — with a scratched runner being allotted two points.

ARC president Gerard Ferreira said he was proud to be in the midst of the most admired CEO and stated that First Citizens Bank was the best sponsor in the industry. “Larry Howai has restored the confidence of all that is local,” he said. “And his assistance has seen the same happening to racing today.” Ferreira said confidence is returning to the industry and promised to grade sponsors on next year’s classic diary. He praised members of his management committee for coming up with the three turf features and promised it will develop into something big. “We intend to make the turf track equal to the main course,” he said. Draws were also made for runners in the 1800 metres Caribbean Turf Championship and the First Classic, and 1100 metres dash for West Indian bred three-year-olds. It was followed by draws for runners and riders of the three races forming the Jockeys’ Championship. Following are the framed races, entries, weights, and jockeys for Thursday’s card.