Change in Triple Crown series dates

THE three-year-old classic races forming the Triple Crown series is likely to have a change of dates next season and will be completed over a shorter period. This series which was thought to be too long and drawn out and completed over a six-month period in the past has been trimmed by one month. Arima Race Club programme committee in putting together their Classic Diary for next season,  have moved away from the past and also have plans for additional race days. Trainer John O’Brien contacted at the racecourse at Santa Rosa Park, Arima, yesterday, said the Diary has not yet been completed but hinted there would be numerous changes. He said the Easter Guineas, which represents the first leg of the tri-part series has been thrown back from Easter Monday (April) to Indian Arrival Day (May 30).

He said, “the event will now be known as ‘The Guineas’.” “The Midsummer Classic normally framed for June is now carded for July, but the Royal Oak Derby has kept its date in September.” Also keeping its date in November is Caribbean Champions Day. O’Brien, who is vice-president of the ARC and also shares the responsibilities as chief executive officer with Gerard Ferreira,  promised Easter Monday will not be lost to racing. “The juveniles will now hold down the spotlight on that  holiday card with the running of the Flamingo Stakes and Ibis Stakes,” he said. “The Gleneagle Stakes has been brought forward and will now be used as the prep race leading up to the Guineas.” he stated. O’Brien said bigger plans are in store for next year’s racing, hinting that plans have been put in place to help the breeding industry with the staging of a Breeders’ Cup Day. “This day is expected to ignite inter-island rivalry, with races on the day framed to engage runners from Barbados and Jamaica,” he added. He promised the 2004 season will get off to a flying start, with three features carded for New Year’s Day. First Citizens Bank have given their commitment to sponsor the card on which the main event will be the Sian’s Gold Sprint over 1000 metres for the top bracket. The supporting event on opening day will be a similar dash for West Indian bred three-year-olds and an 1800-metres event for West Indian bred four-year-olds and over.