Returning to the Cheltenham Festival winner’s enclosure is the aim for Henrietta Knight as she prepares to rejoin the training ranks in the new year.
The 76-year-old is best known for the magnificent Cheltenham Gold Cup hat-trick of Best Mate between 2002-2004 and also the exploits of Champion Chase hero Edredon Bleu.
But she retired from training in 2012 and has since been involved in the pre-training of horses as well as being an active figure at the sales.
However, Knight announced in November she had reapplied for her trainer’s licence after joining forces with Brendan Powell for a shock comeback.
That process is well under way and she is eager to get the show on the road in her new venture, hoping to saddle her first runners early in 2024.
“It’s coming along well and I’ve applied for the licence so I’m just waiting for that coming through,” said Knight.
“They say it will take two months, but I’m hoping it will come through sooner. We’re hoping to have runners the first week of January.
“I’m very excited and Brendan is my assistant. Between us we have had over 1,500 (winners) as trainers so we’re quite excited.”
Knight is anticipating a maximum of 35 horses in training and dreams of unearthing a rare gem among her small but select string of young stock which will take her back into the spotlight at the racecourse she holds most dear.
“I’d like to get some older horses in, but it just depends what owners we attract,” continued Knight.
“We’ve got some lovely young ones waiting in the wings, but it might take a year or so to have them at their best as some are only three-year-olds. They would all be unheard of to you, but hopefully they become household names.
“We’ve got to get some Grade Ones and my ambition is to be back in the unsaddling enclosure with a winner at the Cheltenham Festival. I don’t mind which race, I’m not fussy, as long as it’s a winner.
“It might be a bit optimistic this year, but hopefully it will be in 2025. I like to have a goal in life, you have got to have an aim.”
Knight was assisted by her late husband and former champion jump jockey Terry Biddlecombe during the halcyon days of Best Mate and Edredon Bleu, with the duo’s joyous celebrations after various Cheltenham Festival victories a popular sight with the racing public.
Knight remembers fondly the adoration she received during those great days and hopes that support will be rekindled on the resumption of her training career as she seeks to attract new owners to her bespoke West Lockinge operation.
She added: “Hopefully the appeal to people is we’re only going to be a small yard with a maximum of 35 horses and a lot of owners like the idea of sending their horses to a small yard as they get more involved and a bit more of a personal touch.
“I think some of the horses benefit by being in a smaller yard as they don’t get so stressed.
“Terry was always a great man with the public, he loved his public and they were fantastic when we trained those great horses.
“We hope they will come back to support us because we have some fantastic people out there, and Brendan has too – we’re really looking forward to getting into the spirit of it.”
Fun in the sun: Halledeen pilots Jason DaCosta’s Funcaandun to thrilling upset in Mouttet Mile
Jason DaCosta’s Funcaandun pulled off a stunning upset to claim the third staging of the prestigious Mouttet Mile Invitational at Caymanas Park on Saturday.
Ridden by the spirited Robert “Hardball” Halledeen, the American-bred thoroughbred surged to victory by a neck, capturing the US$250,000 purse (approximately $39 million Jamaican), the largest prize in the English-speaking Caribbean.
The win marked a significant achievement for DaCosta, who entered the race as an underdog against trainer Rohan Crichton, last year’s champion. Crichton’s duo, Legacy Isle (Emisael Jaramillo) and Commandant (Dane Nelson), were well-fancied to defend his crown, but DaCosta’s 17-1 outsider had other plans.
From the break, a trio of speedsters—Bandura (Jerome Innis), Pack Plays (Kevin Krigger), and Desert of Malibu (Raddesh Roman)—vied for the early lead, setting a brisk pace. Crichton’s Legacy Isle stalked the leaders in fourth as they approached the five-furlong marker, while Commandant and Funcaandun bided their time mid-pack.
As the field reached the half-mile, Legacy Isle made his move and slipped into second before seizing the lead ahead of the home turn as Commandant and Funcaandun loomed large in pursuit, which signalled the possibility of a three-way showdown for supremacy.
Into the stretch, Legacy Isle surged ahead with every intent to shake off the competition, but Halledeen and Funcaandun began to close with unrelenting strides. At the furlong pole, Funcaandun joined Legacy Isle, and the two powered to the finish as Commandant pressed hard on the outside.
However, in the final strides, Halledeen’s determined handling ensured the Carlton Watson-owned Funcaandun edged out the competition in a dramatic victory.
Crichton’s runners, Legacy Isle and Commandant, had to settle for second and third, respectively, while Donovan Hutchinson’s Further and Beyond (Aaron Chatrie) rounded out the top four.
Funcaandun, a three-year-old bay colt (Klimt-Fiftyshadesoffun), clocked a time of 1:38.4 over the mile, with fractions of 23.2, 46.4, and 1:12.1, in a performance that stunned the packed stands at Caymanas Park.
Halledeen, known for his aggressive and tactical approach, credited the victory to Funcaandun’s resilience. It was his second win on the 11-race card, as he also won the sixth event aboard Gregg Fennell’s Milos.
“I was very confident because I knew he had it in him. The Gold Cup and the Jamaica Cup showed me that he is the perfect mile horse, so all I wanted was a clean break, and I got that and also got the rail, and I went from there. When we hit the stretch and he started responding, I just kept driving and gave me everything he had,” Halledeen, who also won the event in 2018 when it was then named Diamond Mile, said after catching his breath.
“I am really happy because when it comes to big races, you know I am the man-of-the-match, so it’s just a wonderful feeling, and I am just processing everything,” he added.
Zimi Entertainment teams up with Supreme Ventures to revolutionize the Mouttet Mile
Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment has joined forces with Zimi Entertainment to infuse fresh, youthful energy into Jamaica’s iconic Mouttet Mile, creating a dynamic fusion of sports and entertainment.
The partnership, announced by Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL), aims to broaden the event's appeal by introducing vibrant elements to the experience, including the launch of the Zimi Seh Brunch. Known for its innovative, high-energy parties, Zimi Entertainment is set to transform race day into a cultural spectacle that merges tradition with trendsetting vibes.
Nicholas Mahfood, CEO of Zimi Entertainment, emphasized the significance of this collaboration:
"This partnership means a great deal to the Zimi team. We’ve worked hard over the years to grow our brand, and to now have the opportunity to partner with a powerhouse like Supreme Ventures is truly a rewarding feeling. We’re excited to work alongside them to bring the Mouttet Mile and the launch of Zimi Seh Brunch to life. This is just the beginning, and we hope to cultivate a long-term partnership that will allow us to fuse our creative reach and deliver some of the most unforgettable parties and events in Jamaica."
The Mouttet Mile, a highlight on Jamaica’s social and sporting calendar, will now boast curated entertainment designed to appeal to a younger, trendier audience while retaining its appeal for seasoned racegoers. This collaboration underscores a commitment to innovation, with the event poised to become an even bigger celebration of Jamaican culture and lifestyle.
Kamal Powell, Head of Marketing at Supreme Ventures Limited, expressed his excitement about the new partnership:
"We’re thrilled to partner with Zimi, as it allows us to engage a younger demographic and inject some fresh energy into the Mouttet Mile. This collaboration also provides Zimi with a wonderful corporate partnership as they launch Zimi Seh Brunch, the first of many exciting events in the series. We look forward to the innovation and creativity that Zimi Entertainment will bring to the Mouttet Mile and Caymanas Track as a whole. It’s an exciting time for the entertainment industry in Jamaica."
This partnership not only marks an evolution for the Mouttet Mile but also signals a broader shift in how events like horse racing can connect with diverse audiences. With Zimi Entertainment at the helm of the entertainment experience, guests can expect a memorable blend of thrilling horse races, vibrant music, and immersive cultural festivities.
The collaboration promises to elevate the Mouttet Mile into a world-class event, blending the rich tradition of horse racing with cutting-edge entertainment to redefine Jamaica’s event landscape.
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.
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