TT runners sidestep Sandy Lane Gold Cup

TRINIDAD and Tobago will be without a representative in this year’s Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup scheduled to run off at the Garrison Savannah, Barbados, March 5. But although local horse owners have failed to show any interest in the top Barbadian race at the initial nomination stage, it did not deter those from other countries. There are runners from Canada, including last year’s winner Kathir, who was later disqualified for doping, the United States and Jamaica, who have shown interest in the feature of the Gold Cup Festival, now in its fifth year. First nomination stage for the prestigious Grade One event was over-subscribed, when owners of 24 runners paid Bds$250 to be eligible to participate in the 2000 metres race for which the field is limited to a maximum 12 runners.

There are two horses from Jamaica, four from Canada, five from the United States, and 13 from host country Barbados have signified their intention to race in the event According to racing operation manager/secretary Christopher Armond, Latonia, runner-up to Mucho Tempo in last year’s Royal Oak Derby here, and Uram which placed fifth in the classic, at Santa Rosa Park, Arima, will be the Jamaican flagbearers. Kathir who passed the post first in last year’s edition only to be disqualified, by a late decision by the Barbados Turf Club is listed to make another attempt at the top prize. The Eugene Melnyk-owned colt tested positive for Methylprednisolone, an anti-inflammatory drug, classified as a steroid. Apart from Kathir, the other Canadian nominees are Le Cinquiieme Essai, Mellowes and Moonshine Hall.

And this year’s premier event attracted five runners from the United Sates. The handful consists of Everything To Gain, Montecastello, One Eyed Jocker, Prince Prado and an un-named runner. Feet On Flames who was awarded last year’s edition worth Bds$114,000 after the disqualification of Kathir, will again help mount a strong challenge from the home team. The Luther G Miller III-owned colt, will head the local challenge along with tested runners Thady Quill, Hard Dancer, Lion Country and Peace Angel.  Second subscriptions of  Bds$1,000 become due and  payable on or before Januray 28.

Following are the runners for which first subscriptions were paid: BARBADOS: Captain PJ, Deputy Tim, Feet On Flames, Hard Dancer, Kamayus, Lion Country, Noble Import, Peace Angel, Storm Hunter, Strong Opinion, Swade, Thady Quill, Who’s Wavering; CANADA: Kathir, Le Cinquiieme Essai, Mellowes, Moonshine Hall; JAMAICA: Latonia, Uram; USA: Everything To Gain, Montecastello, One Eyed Joker, Prince Prado, Un-Named.