Chambard had to be very tough to land Aintree’s Boylesports Becher Handicap Chase and help amateur rider Lucy Turner the become first woman to win the famous race.
Venetia Williams’ 11-year-old was among the lesser-fancied of the 12 runners over the Grand National fences as heavy ground guaranteed the event was going to be a real test of stamina.
Under Turner the bay never looked to struggle with the conditions, however, jumping soundly at the head of the field with Laura Morgan’s Percussion for company.
Gradually the going took its toll on the field and plenty of horses were pulled up at the rear of the pack as Chambard still travelled happily at the front and was eventually left well clear to canter to a 13-length success at 18-1 over top weight Coko Beach
Turner said: “Chambard has been fantastic for me won the Kim Muir at Cheltenham also), and I am so pleased for David and Carol (Shaw, owners), who have been great supporters of mine over the last few years, so it is nice to get another big one for them.
“He hasn’t jumped these fences before, so we said we’d see how he takes to them, but that was the best spin I’ve ever had round there and he just loved it and kept galloping.
“As soon as they came to him, he quickened again. I could sort of hear the others coming, but he’s gone again, and at the last he was like a fresh horse.
“I’ve always wanted to ride a winner over these fences, so to do it on him means the world.
“It was a little bit hard going trying to see coming into the home straight with all the rain coming down and the headwind, but he was a total professional. I think he surprises people. They think, ‘can he go and do that?’ but then he shows them he can.
“This is probably the best day I’ve ever had in racing. Aintree is such a marvellous place, so to have a winner here is fantastic. April (and the Grand National) is a long way away and we will think about that when the time comes, but this is a dream.
“In the final furlong you just want to keep kicking until you are over the line, but I had a little look at the big screen and I could see we were clear. After the line, I was thinking, ‘has that actually just happened?’
“If I can inspire someone from the next generation by winning here today, that’s wonderful.
“Chambard is a lovely horse. He’s very laid back and always has a smile on his face, as you can see – he’s always got his teeth out – and he’s a real yard favourite.”
Owner David Shaw, who lives in Cheshire, said: “We’ve been lucky enough to have a few winners with Venetia – we thought Cheltenham was the pinnacle, but this gets pretty close to that. We love having Lucy on board!”
Nigel Twiston-Davies had a good day with two winners across the card, firstly with Norman Fletcher as he took the Boylesports Money Back 2nd Meeting Novices’ Hurdle under the trainer’s son Sam.
An 11-4 chance after winning at Market Rasen last time out, the four-year-old continued on an upward trajectory with a three-and-three-quarter-length victory.
“Although you wouldn’t see it today on heavy ground, he’s got a lot of pace,” Sam Twiston-Davies said.
“I don’t know what the handicapper will do but in a 0-120, two-mile handicap hurdle somewhere on nice ground, he’d be hard to beat, I think.”
Zambella was then a second winner for the team, landing the rearranged Boylesports Houghton Mares’ Chase, a Listed race, by an easy 17 lengths as the evens favourite under Daryl Jacob.
The mare is a twelve-time winner and clearly a real favourite for all connections, who are planning her season around a possible trip to the breeding shed later on in the term.
“She’s an absolute queen, isn’t she?” said Jacob, wearing the colours of owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede.
“She’s the apple of our eye as far as mares are concerned. She turns up every year, she runs her heart out, she gives everything that she has.
“Nigel and his team have done a great job, and with the race being rearranged, it actually suits her better here, going left-handed. I was delighted again when the rain came. She’s such a wonderful, honest thing and tried very hard.”
Anthony Bromley, racing manager to the owners, said: “She just loves it. She seems in as good form as ever. It’s an easily mapped out route, all being well – she’ll go to Doncaster at Christmas, then there’s Huntingdon. She’s not quite as good at Huntingdon, but there’s a valuable race there in early February.”
Donald McCain’s Richmond Lake survived a mistake at the last to land the Boylesports Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap Chase at 4-1 under Brian Hughes.
“We got away with it,” McCain said.
“This was the plan – we just wanted to get a blow into him at Wetherby, and it worked out better than we thought. My assistant Adrian (Lane) rides him every day, he shows nothing at home, nothing. But he’s a good little racehorse.”
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.
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