Transport robs Independence Cup

This was indicated by Arima Race Club boss Gerard Ferreira at the launch of Sagicor Independence Day Races 2006 at the insurance firm’s Queen’s Park West offices yesterday.

But he expressed the hope that this will soon be sorted out, and tongue in cheek, called on Sagicor for an increase in stakes money to really attract runners form the two neighbouring countries.

Ferreira reiterated his dream that Santa Rosa Park, Arima, to become the racing capital of the Caribbean.

He said, “While the Sagicor President’s Cup is the premier turf event in Trinidad and Tobago, I want to make it the premier race in the Caribbean.”

Ferreira who is also chairman of the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago said government have now recognised what sports can do and said he had the backing of Trade Minister Ken Valley for his proposals for the development of horse racing.

He again said, “We want to become the equine capital,” and in this regard he pointed out that the ARC have given permission to the Equine Association for facilities to be put in place to host equestrian events at Santa Rosa Park.

Earlier, Sagicor general manager Ken Marshall noted that this year, his company has included the Santa Rosa Classic on their Sagicor Independence Day programme.

He said it was hoped horses from Barbados would be able to join to make the competition much keener, but was told they could not be here on time.

But, Marshall intimated, Sagicor board chairman Arthur Bethell a keen turfite and ex-cricketer may be here to share the day.

He said, as an adopted son, “I feel that Independence Day is of even greater significance for the people of our blessed twin-island repblic,” and listed the achievements of the Soca Warriors at World Cup Germany 2006 and Daren Ganga’s all-conquering cricketers winning the Carib Beer Cup and the Carib Beer Challenge, achievements which was celebrated with a sense of national pride. Marshall said after the cricketers scored the double, “I was able to call friends in Barbados and say we beat allyuh!”

He said, both the Soca Warriors and cricketers represented the indomitable spirit of us Caribbean people with confidence and passion and pointed out, its the same spirit “small nation, big passion, which earned us our independence 44 years ago.”