William Haggas is eager to test the mettle of Tiber Flow over five furlongs, with the Chipchase Stakes hero making a quick return to action in the Coral Charge at Sandown.
The four-year-old, who won the Carnarvon Stakes at Newbury last year, scooped Group Three honours for the first time when obliging favourite-backers at Gosforth Park last Saturday.
And the pace he showed in that six-furlong event in the north east was enough to convince the Somerville Lodge handler to drop his charge back to the minimum distance at the Esher track.
“I want to try him over five, he showed a lot of speed to me up at Newcastle,” said Haggas.
“I’ve never run him over five and this is the stiffest five in the country. Yes he has a penalty, but if he waited for the Hackwood Stakes he would have a penalty in that too, so I’m going to run him and see how we get on.
“He’s a very genuine, nice horse.”
Royal Ascot form is represented by Mick Appleby’s Annaf who has been at the peak of his powers this season and finished third in the King’s Stand Stakes.
He is joined in the line-up by stablemate and depending champion Raasel, who is yet to hit the heights of his three victories last term but was also far from disgraced from a less than ideal draw in the King’s Stand.
“Annaf seems in really good order and obviously Raasel won the race last year so it would be nice if he could follow it up,” said Appleby.
“They are both in great order. They both ran well at Ascot, I was really pleased with that. Anaaf’s was a great run, but Raasel ran better than where he actually finished – it was the draw that did him, he ended up on the wing and he’s a horse that needs plenty of cover.”
Equilateral (fifth) and Marshman (seventh) were others who took part in the King’s Stand and are now dropping in class, with the former hoping for a smoother passage than when suffering a luckless run in this race 12 months ago.
The 36-race veteran is one of two in the contest for Charlie Hills along with impressive Windsor handicap winner Equality, while Marshman is also joined in the line-up by a stablemate as Karl Burke will also saddle recent Scurry Stakes scorer Lady Hamana.
Another handler with two bullets to fire at the Group Three contest is Clive Cox who is represented by Get Ahead and Diligent Harry.
Get Ahead arrives on the back of a fine start to the season and having landed the Cecil Frail at Haydock on her penultimate start, was ahead of Marshman when denied by a short head in the Prix du Gros-Chene at Chantilly last month.
“Get Ahead ran a blinder in France last time and has really come to hand,” said Cox.
“She’s a filly we have always believed in and her recent runs have confirmed that promise was well worth investing in.
“We are hoping the thunderstorms don’t get involved too much from her point of view. She would be happier without that. She is in excellent form if the conditions remain suitable.
Diligent Harry drops back in distance having failed to add to his All-Weather Championships Finals Day triumph in two starts on turf since.
“It’s a nice opportunity to run over a stiff five with him,” continued Cox.
“We did have him in the Chipchase last week, but I’m happy we have an opportunity to run over five here.
“He has run on an easier surface before in the Cammidge Trophy when he was just beaten in 2022. He is in excellent form and he’s a horse who is one of our typically pleasing sprinters and we hope he’s not too badly drawn.”
Hollie Doyle will link up with Ed Walker’s Ayr Listed winner Makarova, with Stuart Williams’ Existent completing the 11-strong field.
'Family man' Dane Dawkins targets more success on return to Caymanas Park after productive Canada stint
Jockey Dane Dawkins is brimming with confidence and ready to showcase his improved form at Caymanas Park on Saturday, following a successful stint in Canada that saw him rack up 25 wins.
The former champion rider, known for his tenacity and skill in the saddle, started slowly at the North American track, but he eventually found his rhythm and returned with more victories under his belt than in his previous overseas campaign in 2019.
Dawkins, who competed primarily at Assiniboia Downs in Winnipeg, admitted that the transition was initially challenging. However, his determination to make a mark and improve on his past performances pushed him through the difficult period.
With every race, he adjusted to the nuances of the track and the competition, and by the end of the season there, Dawkins had established himself as a force to be reckoned with. His 25 wins were complemented by 24 second-place finishes and 28 third-place finishes from 169 mounts, amassing an impressive CAD$288,149 (about $33.5 million Jamaican) in earnings.
“It was a tough start because it took a while for me to get comfortable and get to know the horses, but once I got into my groove after my first two months, everything started to click. Winning 25 races this time around was a big deal for me because I only won seven the last time I was there. It shows I’m learning and improving and once I started winning races, the trainers saw my true potential and started giving me more rides,” Dawkins told SportsMax.Tv.
Dawkins’ performances in Canada weren’t just about accumulating wins, the experience also sharpened his skills. With the renewed confidence, he is eager to bring that momentum back to Jamaica, where he now hopes to continue his winning streak at Caymanas Park, as he has secured four rides on Saturday’s card and another six for Sunday.
“I’m excited to be back at Caymanas. Riding in Canada helped me fine-tune my techniques and decision-making, and I want to use that to get more wins here. The goal is to build on what I’ve achieved and show that I’m a better rider than before,” the soft-spoken rider noted.
But Dawkins isn’t just focused on immediate success. The talented jockey has his eyes set on a long-term goal—winning more Classic races to cement his legacy in the sport.
For Dawkins, these prestigious events, such as the Jamaica Derby, the Jamaica Oaks, the 1000 Guineas, 2000 Guineas, Jamaica Cup, Gold Cup and Mouttet Mile, are the pinnacle achievements for any Jamaican jockey, and he’s determined to consistently etch his name in the annals of the sport’s history.
With the season at Caymanas Park nearing its end, Dawkins return at this point in time will only allow him to challenge for the Gold Cup in October, the Jamaica Cup in November, and the lucrative Mouttet Mile in December.
“I want to consistently win those big races, the Classic races. That’s what every jockey targets in their career. Yes, I’ve won a few already, but you can’t get complacent at any time. You always have to keep pushing and putting in the work to continue getting those rides in the big races to make your mark in the sport,” he shared.
However, success on the track is only part of Dawkins’ motivation. A dedicated family man, he revealed that his greatest ambition is to ensure that his loved ones are well taken care of.
For him, the sacrifices he makes and the risks he takes are all in service of providing a better future for his family.
“At the end of the day, I ride to win and make a name for myself, but my family comes first. Every win, every achievement is for them. I just want to make my family proud and happy, and that’s what drives me to keep pushing myself and that’s what it’s all about,” Dawkins ended.
Caribbean Producers Jamaica Limited returns as sponsor for 2024 Mouttet Mile Invitational
Caribbean Producers Jamaica Limited (CPJ) has officially announced its continued partnership with Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL) as a main sponsor of the 2024 Mouttet Mile Invitational, which will be held at Caymanas Park on December 7, 2024. The Grade One event, which features three-year-olds and upward competing over a mile (1,600m), will offer a historic purse of US$250,000.
As a premier food and beverage company in the Caribbean, CPJ's sponsorship marks its third year supporting this prestigious event. The Mouttet Mile has grown in prominence, drawing elite horses, jockeys, and racing enthusiasts from around the world. CPJ's backing will continue to ensure that the event maintains its reputation for high-quality entertainment, premium hospitality, and an elevated experience for racing fans.
Natesha Powell, Brand Manager of Spirits and Beverages at CPJ, highlighted the synergy between the Mouttet Mile and CPJ’s premium offerings. “This is our third year sponsoring the Mouttet Mile, and it’s a perfect fit for us," Powell said. "Woodford Reserve is the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, and we wanted to bring that same prestige to Jamaica. Last year, we introduced Woodford Reserve at the event, and the feedback was phenomenal. This bourbon is relatively new to the Jamaican market, and there’s no better platform to showcase it than the Mouttet Mile.”
In addition to the main race day, CPJ will play a key role in the build-up to the event with a series of "Trail to the Mile" events. The first of these events, hosted by CPJ, is scheduled for September 28, 2024, and will feature a special Woodford Reserve tasting. These events will give fans a preview of the premium experience they can expect at the Mouttet Mile in December.
SVREL, the operators of Caymanas Park and promoters of the Mouttet Mile, expressed their satisfaction with CPJ's ongoing commitment. Christopher Wills, VP Operations at SVREL, shared his enthusiasm about CPJ’s continued involvement. "The SVREL team is pleased that the Mouttet Mile continues to attract corporate sponsors in the third staging of this unique entertainment product," Wills said. "We are excited to have CPJ back onboard with us for another year. Their premium brands are a big part of creating the elevated experience for our patrons. CPJ’s return as a sponsor for the third-year running is not only a good signal for the Mouttet Mile, but also a positive indicator of the growth potential of the horseracing industry in general."
As the Mouttet Mile Invitational grows into one of the Caribbean’s premier horse racing events, CPJ’s continued sponsorship, along with other corporate support, will play a crucial role in enhancing the fan experience and expanding the international reach of the event. With the combination of top-tier racing and premium entertainment, the 2024 Mouttet Mile promises to be a standout day at Caymanas Park.
American Jockey Arnaldo Bocachica to make historic Jamaican debut at Winston Griffiths Classic this weekend
Renowned American jockey Arnaldo Bocachica will grace Jamaican soil for the first time this weekend as he prepares to compete in the prestigious Winston Griffiths Classic at Caymanas Park.
With over 15 years of experience at top-tier tracks and multiple awards to his name, Bocachica is set to make waves among horse racing enthusiasts in Jamaica with his entry into this year’s race.
Having built a stellar career in the United States and established himself as one of the sport’s top jockeys, Bocachica is recognized for his tactical precision and consistent performances.
His participation in the Winston Griffiths Classic marks a milestone in his career and brings an international spotlight to the event.
“I am incredibly excited to be racing in Jamaica for the first time,” said Bocachica. “I’ve heard so
much about the country’s vibrant horse racing culture, and I’m honoured to be part of such an
important event as the Winston Griffiths Classic.”
The Winston Griffiths Classic, named after the legendary Jamaican jockey Winston “Fanna” Griffiths, is one of the island’s most anticipated annual racing events.
Bocachica will be riding against some of Jamaica’s finest jockeys, making for an exhilarating weekend of competition at Caymanas Park.
The weekend of racing on September 7-8 promises to deliver high-energy performances, with Bocachica’s appearance adding international flair to the line-up.
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