Jadoo (R) stars at ARC ‘Friday Lime’

VENEZUELAN jockey Wilmer Galviz conjured up a brilliant ride astride Royal Miss to land the filly winner of the Starter Allowance feature on Day 14 of the Arima Race Club season at Santa Rosa Park, Arima, yesterday. An early back-marker together with runner-up and pre-race favourite Dottie’s Way, the duo cruised into the lead with 400 metres left in the 1600 metres turf race and had turfites cheering themselves hoarse as they were locked in battle throughout the stretch run.

Royal Miss later had to survive an objection to keep the winner’s prize money of $11,500. The visiting South African cricketers and their West Indies counterparts were no shows for the eight-race programme dubbed Friday Lime, for which they were specially invited. But Ricardo Jadoo chose the moment to be the top jockey “limer” yesterday, riding the winners of half the day’s programme, while apprentice Joshua Stephen had two winning rides.

Champion trainer John O’Brien sent out three wikkers on the day’s card, while Grant Lourenco had two. Despite the small fields dividends were relatively good throughout, with the best coming when Joint Account scooted home a short head winner of the fourth race. The filly who survived an objection rewarded backers with $19.30 and $5.40 on the tote, and coupled with runner-up Tricky Guy and third placed Tora Bora, the trifecta payout was a handsome $4,307.20.  With Native Love finishing fourth, the superfecta dividend was $2,286.70. Next ARC race day will be on May 21.