TT runners out Gold Cup, Tangelwood

THERE will be no Trinidad and Tobago challenge at this year’s 25th running of the prestigious Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup and the 7th edition of the Tangelwood Stakes. And it will all be because of poor transportation arrangements. According to Arima Race Club racing secretary Robin Jaisingh yesterday, the aircraft the Barbados Turf Club sent to transport both Miss Lover Lover (Gold Cup) and Crown Point (Tangelwood) to Bridgetown, Barbados for the “big day”, was not suitable.

He said: “In the best interest of the horses it was thought best not to send them.” Jaisingh said it is now very doubtful either horse will go to Barbados for their respective races to be run off on Saturday. According to him, “if the horses go to Barbados at this stage to race it will be a miracle.” Jaisingh pointed out that everything was done at this end to have the horses go to Barbados to challenge for the Gold Cup and Tangelwood Stakes which both carry a purse of US$100,000. Edmund de Freitas, trainer of Miss Lover Lover expressed bitter disappointment over the whole affair.

He lamented the poor flight arrangements made and said, “ we paid up all our subscriptions and booked hotels, but going to Barbados now looks very bleak.” De Freitas said also, connections did not pay subscriptions for the 1600 metres Champagne Stakes to be run here at Santa Rosa Park, Arima, on April 17. He said: “Now we will have to pay a penalty of about $1,600 to get into that race.” Both Barbados newspapers, the Advocate and Nation continued to highlight the one overseas challenge in the Gold Cup in yesterday’s edition.

Miss Lover Lover was bidding to become the first Trinidad and Tobago-owned horse to win the Gold Cup since Call To Account owned by Roland Khan achieved the feat 18 years ago in 1988. The six-year-old mare was drawn on the wide outside No 12 in the field for the 1800 metres race, and was allotted 57 kilos (126 lbs). Last year’s winner Feet On Flames will surely start favourite after having won his tune-up two weeks ago. Crown Point was to be the first-ever Trinidad and Tobago starter in the Tangelwood Stakes over 2000 metres and was drawn No 9 for the race.