A week on from Big Evs conquering America, Mick Appleby is still coming to terms with the Breeders’ Cup achievement of his speedster.
The son of Blue Point was already inked in the history books at the trainer’s Rutland base having provided Appleby with a first Royal Ascot winner in the summer, but he went one step further in Santa Anita, blitzing America’s best with a devastating display to give the handler a maiden success at the highest level.
The jetlag may now be subsiding, but the memories and magnitude of what his stable star accomplished are still hitting home for the Barnsley-born trainer, who has worked his way up from humble beginnings.
“It was absolutely amazing, I still don’t think it has sunk in yet,” said Appleby.
“All trainers would like Grade or Group One winners and going out to the Breeders’ Cup and getting our first one was something amazing, it was really special.
“I have to pinch myself and its hard to believe it has happened. It’s just been amazing and I’m still on cloud nine – it’s been like a dream.”
There were of course victories in California for the powerhouse operations of Godolphin, Juddmonte and Coolmore.
However, this was also the Breeders’ Cup where the lesser lights got their moment and the victory of Big Evs is testament to the hard work and ambition of a trainer who has served his time as all-weather champion and is eager to showcase his talent on the big stage.
His commitment to the cause has seen him treading a familiar beat around the all-weather circuit since returning from US, but he is proud to disprove the theory he is a one-trick trainer.
Appleby said: “We’ve always been pigeonholed as an all-weather trainer, but hopefully that disappears now and the world realises we are as good on grass, especially with two-year-olds, as we’ve never been renowned for having juveniles. But if you don’t have the ammunition, you can’t win with them.
“It’s hard work, it’s really hard work just keeping the horses sound, fit and injury free.
“I think its a great achievement and we’ve got a great team here – without the team it wouldn’t be possible. It’s great for everyone concerned. It means a lot to the whole yard.”
That hard work has seen the likes of Danzeno, Caspian Prince and Raasel pass through Appleby’s hands at his Langham training base, but he is in little doubt that his Breeders’ Cup champion is top of the class.
“He’s very quick and you have to very fast to go with him. He’s just speed,” said the Yorkshireman.
“He reminds me a lot of a horse we had called Caspian Prince, he would be the quickest horse I’ve ever had and won the Dash (at Epsom) a few times. He was lightning quick. I think Big Evs would definitely be up there with him.
“He was our first Group One winner so I would say he is (the best we have had). I’ve never seen a horse as quick as him, he’s absolute lightning.
“When we first started working Big Evs with the likes of Raasel and Annaf, we knew he was something special and really quick because none of the other two-year-olds could get anywhere near him.”
Like all underdog tales, this was a story that started with disappointment and in Big Evs’ case, defeat at Redcar on debut.
“We were gobsmacked he got beat, but it was the draw that beat him at Redcar and if you were on the stands side you had no chance whatsoever,” explained Appleby.
“He had to go right the way across the track to get to the leaders and if he had a better draw he would have won. We weren’t disappointed and he showed enough to convince us he was decent.”
He would go on to prove Appleby’s assessment of “decent” to be a slight underestimation when winning the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot on his second start, with a battling victory in the Goodwood mud soon to follow.
A chastising defeat when supplemented for the Nunthorpe is the sole blot on the Big Evs’ copybook, but he was soon back on form when demolishing the Flying Childers field at Doncaster.
“Obviously we had the blip in the Nunthorpe and we just had to put a line through that and then he bounced back so impressively at Doncaster,” continued Appleby.
“To be fair, I was umming and ahhing whether we should have gone to York, but the owner was very keen and it was his home track and a race he has always wanted to win.
“It was worth going for it and I think, in hindsight, Goodwood took a lot out of him on the heavy ground and was the contributing factor to him running poorly there. If he had another two weeks after Goodwood before the Nunthorpe, I think it might have been a different story all together.
“It was a relief he went to Doncaster and bounced back and I think that was his most impressive win. The time he did was staggering and after that we were definitely going to the Breeders’ Cup.”
There was little doubt in the Big Evs camp that their speedball would rise to the occasion, and when the bell rang and gates opened on the opening night of Breeders’ Cup action, he showed all of his champion qualities to cruise to victory in the hands of Tom Marquand.
Appleby said: “The good thing with him, he has good gate speed. He’s lighting out and straight into stride and gone.
“He was very good and especially first time around a bend. That was always going to be our concern whether he would be able to cope with a bend going as quick as he does.
“Tom gave him a brilliant ride and let him just find his feet round the bend and find the right leg. Once he got into the straight, he quickened away again. Tom said as soon as that one was closing on him, he had lots in the tank and went again. It was a great ride.”
Although there was Santa Anita glory for Appleby, there was disappointment for fellow Brit Adam West and both Big Evs and the Epsom handler’s Live In The Dream will return in 2024 attempting to lay claim to the title of the world’s fastest racehorse.
“There probably is someone faster somewhere and obviously some of the American horses are very quick, but I don’t know if there is any faster in this country,” continued the Langham handler.
“Live In The Dream is probably one that is quick. I would imagine we will be clashing at some point and that will be interesting.”
Next season will be top-level action all the way for Big Evs as Appleby searches for more famous victories on the big stage with his horse of a lifetime.
He added: “The good thing is Paul (Teasdale, owner) is not going to sell him. You get a lot of owners who when the offers come in would be snapping it up, but Paul has no intention of selling which is good for us.
“He’s already won his Group One and hopefully we will be aiming at all the Group races over five furlongs next year.
“We’ve just got to stay up there with him. We’re going to look forward to him next year, but obviously it will be a bit nervy as well about if he will train on, because you do always have that nagging thought in your mind. But I see no reason why he wouldn’t.”
Caymanas Park to celebrate retired horses with historic raceday
In a groundbreaking initiative, Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL) has partnered with the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) to host the inaugural Thoroughbred Aftercare Raceday at Caymanas Park on Saturday, November 23. This historic event, the first of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean, underscores the racing industry's commitment to responsible practices and the welfare of retired racehorses.
The dedicated raceday represents a significant step toward formalizing the retirement process for Jamaica’s thoroughbreds. Chris Wills, Vice President of Administration at SVREL, expressed pride in the initiative.
“This raceday is of special significance to us and is sure to become a staple on our racing calendar,” said Wills. “It’s a testament to our commitment to the animals that are the heart of our sport. We’re proud to partner with the JRC in taking proactive steps to ensure the dignity and care of the horses beyond their racing careers.”
The Jamaica Racing Commission, which oversees the largest population of thoroughbred horses on the island, has long championed initiatives to support racehorse welfare. Dr. Simone Johnally, the Commission Veterinarian at the JRC, emphasized the importance of honoring these horses and providing for their well-being after their racing days are over.
“These beautiful creatures spend an average of eight years within the racing product but have a lifespan of up to 30 years and deserve to be honored and provided with the care and support they need throughout their lives,” Dr. Johnally said.
She highlighted the versatility of retired racehorses, which often transition into new roles such as outrider ponies, trail and pleasure riding companions, members of the Mounted Troop Police, or participants in equestrian sports like show jumping, dressage, and polo. Additionally, retired horses can contribute to agriculture, equine-assisted therapy, and even serve as blood donors for medical institutions.
In recognition of the organizations supporting this vital cause, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Raceday will feature nine races, each named after key partner organizations. This creative approach not only celebrates collaboration but also raises awareness of the importance of aftercare for retired racehorses.
The event marks a crucial moment for Jamaica’s racing industry, setting a precedent for responsible racing practices and ensuring that the animals at the heart of the sport are treated with dignity and care throughout their lives. With initiatives like this, Caymanas Park is poised to lead the way in promoting horse welfare across the region.
iPrint joins forces with SVREL as Billboard Advertising Partner for Mouttet Mile 2024
iPrint is the latest corporate entity to signal its support for 2024 Mouttet Mile by coming onboard as the official billboard advertising partner for the event.
The partnership will see iPrint amplifying the event’s visibility with a series of impactful promotional displays on its traditional and electronic billboards across Kingston and St. Catherine.
“We’re proud to welcome iPrint on board as our advertising partner for the Mouttet Mile. Their expertise in outdoor advertising brings significant visibility and will help to raise public awareness and excitement for the event. We know their placements will reach thousands of potential attendees and will increase the anticipation and excitement for Jamaica’s premier racing event across key areas in Kingston and St. Catherine,” Aswanda Stoddart, SVREL AVP Administration, said.
iPrint’s involvement demonstrates its commitment to supporting Jamaica’s vibrant sports and entertainment scene and aligns with the company’s dedication to innovative advertising solutions that engage the community and bring high-profile events to the forefront.
“The efforts of SVREL in organizing and delivering this exceptional event, which not only elevates the profile of sports in Jamaica but also garners global attention through live broadcasts, are truly commendable,” said Mark Haddad, Sales Director at iprint Group of Companies.
“Supporting the Mouttet Mile aligns perfectly with the vision of enhancing and showcasing Brand Jamaica on the world stage. By collaborating with this diverse and prestigious event, we have a unique opportunity to amplify Jamaica’s cultural and sporting legacy. It is only fitting that we pledge our continued support to ensure the sustained success of the Mouttet Mile for many years to come, further solidifying Jamaica’s reputation as a hub of excellence and innovation,” he added.
SVREL and iPrint look forward to a successful collaboration that brings even more excitement to this year’s Mouttet Mile set for December 7 at Caymanas Park.
SVREL chairman calls for urgent reforms in stewarding after Heroes’ Day disruption at Caymanas Park
Following an internal investigation by Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL), significant gaps in training have been identified, leading to stewarding practices at Caymanas Park falling short of international standards. As a result, SVREL Executive Chairman Solomon Sharpe has called for urgent intervention from the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service to address these issues and ensure the future integrity of horse racing in Jamaica.
The investigation was prompted after the Heroes’ Day race meet at Caymanas Park was abandoned on Monday, October 21, 2024. A group of punters reacted violently to the stewards’ decision in Race 2, leading to the event’s cancellation for safety reasons. Sharpe stressed that the current state of officiating is not up to par for a racing jurisdiction aspiring to world-class status.
“Our internal investigation has identified significant training gaps that have resulted in local stewarding practices falling short of international standards,” Sharpe said. He explained that while SVREL provides the facilities for racing, the stewards' oversight falls under the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC), a government-appointed body. Sharpe believes this disparity between local and international standards must be addressed immediately.
In his statement, Sharpe emphasized that improving stewarding standards is critical for the growth of horse racing in Jamaica. He called for the implementation of mandatory certification programs for stewards, ensuring that they are properly trained to handle the complexities of modern racing. He also advocated for regular assessments and retraining of officials to maintain a high level of competence and consistency in their decision-making.
Sharpe further stressed the need for clear accountability frameworks to be established, so that all decisions made by stewards are transparent and based on consistent, well-defined criteria. This, he believes, would help avoid situations like the one on Heroes’ Day, where the lack of clarity led to confusion and frustration among punters. Moreover, Sharpe called for the introduction of an independent appeals mechanism that would allow for the review of stewarding decisions, ensuring fairness and trust in the system.
Sharpe explained that these reforms are essential to creating a level playing field and restoring confidence in the integrity of horse racing at Caymanas Park. He expressed frustration that despite previous discussions with the JRC about the need for improved officiating, little progress has been made.
The incident on Heroes’ Day, which caused significant financial losses estimated at over JMD$70 million, underscored the importance of addressing these issues urgently. While Sharpe acknowledged the passion of racing fans, he firmly condemned the violent behaviour that followed the stewards' decision, stating that it endangered lives and tarnished the reputation of the sport. "While we value our patrons' enthusiasm, any expression of discontent must remain within acceptable bounds of sporting behaviour,” he asserted.
Sharpe also expressed disappointment with the lack of response from industry stakeholders following the incident. He pointed out that many who are typically vocal about SVREL’s operations have remained silent on this serious breach of sporting conduct. He called on all stakeholders to take equal responsibility for the sport’s integrity and to advocate for improvements in officiating and the overall management of races.
“The growth and sustainability of horse racing in Jamaica require more than just infrastructure investment and promotional efforts,” Sharpe said. “It demands the consistent application of international best practices across all aspects of racing.”
SVREL remains committed to modernizing Caymanas Park and advancing Jamaican horse racing. However, Sharpe made it clear that this vision can only be achieved through collective responsibility, with all stakeholders playing an active role in improving the industry’s standards and holding each other accountable.
“The time has come for all stakeholders to demonstrate their commitment to the industry's growth not merely through words, but through actions, consistent engagement, and a willingness to address difficult issues head-on,” Sharpe concluded.
SportsMax is the Caribbean sports channel of choice, committed to providing sporting content of the highest quality to the Caribbean, delivered by a team of highly innovative, passionate and qualified professionals.
(876) 619-7629
digitalmedia@sportsmax.tv
