‘Lover’ to be supplemented for ARC Cup

CHEATED of a chance to put in a challenge in the XXV Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup, connections of Miss Lover Lover will supplement her for the Arima Race Club Cup Handicap. This race over 1800 metres, is to be run off on March 11 at Santa Rosa Park, Arima. And the six-year-old mare will also possibly be supplemented for the Champagne Stakes to be run off on April 17. This American-bred daughter of Friendly Lover/Winning Spurs was forced to withdraw from the Bajan race because of poor flight arrangements by the Barbados Turf Club. Also forced to withdraw was Crown Point, which is trained by Glenn Mendez, and was entered for the Tangelwood Stakes, the other US$100,000 “big race” on Gold Cup Day, March 4.

A very disappointed trainer Edmund de Freitas said yesterday, BTC racing operations manager/secretary Chris Armond telephoned him to confirm arrangements were off. He said, “I am really disappointed because tickets were booked to travel to Barbados and also hotels. “My daughter who resides in Canada is in Barbados right now, chosing to miss the Carnival to be there for the race.” But a story emanating from Bridgetown indicated it was connections here who failed to find affordable transportation of the horses. The BTC stated there will be no replacement runner for Miss Lover Lover in the Gold Cup, but the Jamaica-bred Here And Now will substitute for Crown Point in the Tangelwood.

BTC also confirmed riding assignments for the Gold Cup, with current  champion Andy Trotman being reunited with last year’s winner Feet On Flames.. Canada-based Barbadians Patrick Husbands, Jono Jones and Ricky Walcott, have all secured Gold Cup rides. Husbands, a four-time Sovereign Award winner as Canada's outstanding jockey, will ride Sharp Impact, Jones, a four-time Gold Cup winner partners Zarad, and 2005 Northlands Park, Edmonton, champion Walcott will be astride Inluck.

Here are the runners and riders for the Gold Cup: 1. LION'S DOMAIN, Donovan Yeo; 2. FEET ON FLAMES, Andy Trotman; 3. ZARAD, Jono Jones; 4. STORM HUNTER, Juan Crawford; 5. INLUCK, Ricky Walcott;
6. SHARP IMPACT, Pat Husbands;  7. PEACE ANGEL, Andy Ward; 
8. BIRDIE POINT, Paul Leacock; 9. ATUL, Chris Husbands; 10. DUC D FER, Randy Cumberbatch. (CMC)