We continue our look back at 2023, with City Of Troy advertising his star potential, Frankie Dettori continuing his epic winning run before his surprise about-turn on retirement plans and a Christmas miracle at Kempton courtesy of Hewick…
July
In early July Aidan O’Brien’s City Of Troy made his debut at the Curragh before going on to land the Superlative Stakes at Newmarket by six and a half lengths. Via Sistina’s success continued with a Pretty Polly win at the Curragh before Auguste Rodin added an Irish Derby victory to his Epsom title. In the Coral-Eclipse it was Paddington who prevailed, beating Emily Upjohn in a hard-fought finish at Sandown. On day one of the July meeting, Israr landed the Princess of Wales’s Stakes ahead of Adayar, with Nostrum also impressing in the Sir Henry Cecil Stakes. Nashwa was at her brilliant best to land the Falmouth and the following day it was the turn of the sprinters in the July Cup, which was won by the speed star of the season in Shaquille. Gold Cup winner Subjectivist was retired midway through the month, then at the Curragh, Art Power thrived to land the Sapphire Stakes for Tim Easterby. At the same meeting Savethelastdance took the Irish Oaks and Emily Dickinson the Curragh Cup, whereas on home soil it was Relief Rally who came out on top in the Super Sprint at Newbury. The month ended with a King George victory for Hukum, who defeated Westover by a head in the Group One at Ascot.
August
The month got under way at Goodwood, where Haatem took the Vintage Stakes, Kinross prevailed in the Lennox Stakes and Quickthorn ran away with the Goodwood Cup on the opening day. On day two, Big Evs’ brilliant run continued in the Molecomb Stakes before Paddington landed another Group One when taking the Sussex Stakes. Vandeek then burst onto the scene when taking the Richmond Stakes on only his second start, with Al Husn’s Nassau win another highlight of the day. Highfield Princess stormed home in the King George Qatar Stakes to maintain her status as the sprint queen, but the final day of the meeting was abandoned midway through due to heavy rain. At the Curragh, Bucanero Fuerte won the Phoenix Stakes and over in Deauville Inspiral was the winner of the Prix Jacques le Marois for the second year in a row. Ace Impact won the Prix Guillaume d’Ornano at Deauville, another significant run on home turf. The Ebor meeting at York was the scene of defeat for Paddington in the Juddmonte International, a race ultimately won by Mostahdaf as Nashwa came home second. Relief Rally took the Lowther, Dragon Leader was a stunning winner of the sales race and Warm Heart landed the Yorkshire Oaks, after which there was a real underdog success in the Nunthorpe when Live In The Dream prevailed at odds of 28-1 for Epsom trainer Adam West. Kinross won the richly-endowed City of York on the last day, when Willie Mullins’ Absurde took the Ebor itself under a particularly inspired Frankie Dettori.
September
Tahiyra struck again at Leopardstown to land the Matron Stakes, as Diego Velazquez impressed in the Juvenile Stakes to get the Ballydoyle team off the mark before Auguste Rodin’s victory in the Irish Champion Stakes. At the Curragh, Henry Longfellow caught the eye when winning the National Stakes and over the sprint trip Moss Tucker took the Flying Five for Ken Condon. Eldar Eldarov then secured an Irish St Leger crown to go with his earlier English St Leger prize for the Roger Varian team. At Haydock, it was Ed Bethell’s Regional who scored in the Sprint Cup, a first Group One for the young trainer and a major milestone for the North Yorkshire yard. Eyes then turned to Doncaster for the St Leger meeting, where Darnation took the May Hill and Sumo Sam claimed the Park Hill on the opening day. Big Evs bounced back from Nunthorpe disappointment to land the Flying Childers and Trueshan took the Doncaster Cup on day two, with the Champagne Stakes going to Iberian on day three and the St Leger won by Continuous for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore. Paddy Twomey seemed to unearth some gems at the Curragh as Deepone took the Beresford and One Look ran away with the Goffs Million in a six-length win, after which the Irish Cesarewitch was won by 150-1 outsider Magellan Strait for Joseph O’Brien. Andrew Balding’s Array won the Mill Reef in a poignant success for the stable, after which France came into focus for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe meeting at ParisLongchamp. Trueshan landed the Prix du Cadran to get the British on the board, with Sea Silk Road then taking the Prix de Royallieu for William Haggas and Poker Face winning the Prix Daniel Wildenstein for Simon and Ed Crisford.
October
The big day of the Arc meeting fell on October 1, where Rosallion took the opening Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere and Opera Singer won the Prix Marcel Boussac ahead of the main event. Ace Impact was the winner for Jean-Claude Rouget, with Westover a gallant second, beaten a length and three-quarters. Highfield Princess did connections proud once again when taking the Prix de l’Abbaye for John Quinn and his team. Then came the news that Frankie Dettori’s retirement would in fact be postponed as he revealed plans to head off to California instead. He still received a send-off on Champions Day at Ascot, however, where he won the Champion Stakes aboard King Of Steel – potentially his last ever ride in Britain. Other winners on the card included Art Power in the Champion Sprint, Poptronic in the Fillies & Mares Stakes, Big Rock in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes and Trawlerman in the Long Distance Cup. City Of Troy demonstrated his huge potential once again at Newmarket with a straightforward Dewhurst success, while the Cesarewitch was won by The Shunter. Ancient Wisdom won the final Group One of the season, Doncaster’s Futurity Trophy in the style of a Derby horse. Attentions switched the National Hunt code, with news the Grand National field would be reduced to 34 along with other changes to improve the safety of the race.
November
The Breeders’ Cup took place at Santa Anita and Big Evs struck a huge blow for the raiding party when landing the Juvenile Turf Sprint for Mick Appleby before Adam West’s Live In The Dream was a gallant fourth in the Turf Sprint. Inspiral landed the Filly & Mare Turf and it was Auguste Rodin who took the Breeders’ Cup Turf. Gentlemansgame denied Bravemansgame in the Charlie Hall, a race that signals that the National Hunt term is well under way. Training great Henrietta Knight announced her return to the game as a licence holder. Gordon Elliott started the season in incredible form with a Down Royal six-timer, swiftly followed by a five-timer at the same track. Gerri Colombe was one of the successes, winning the Ladbrokes Champion Chase from Envoi Allen. In Bahrain, Sir Alex Ferguson enjoyed an international Group Two strike as the Richard Fahey-trained Spirit Dancer was a brilliant winner of the Bahrain International Trophy. Nicky Henderson’s Jonbon made light work of the Shloer Chase on his comeback, as Facile Vega kicked off in style over fences at Navan. Hayley Turner hit a significant career milestone of 1,000 winners on a Chelmsford evening, before Equinox swept to a four-length victory in Japan Cup, sealing his status as the world’s best racehorse. Both the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner and runner-up were beaten in separate races as Royale Pagaille held Bravemansgame in the Betfair Chase and both Fastorslow and Appreciate It beat Galopin Des Champs in the John Durkan. Shishkin refused to start in the 1965 Chase at Ascot which was won by Pic D’Orhy in his absence. The industry was quick to rally around Graham Lee, who sustained serious injuries in a heavy fall at Newcastle early in the month and remains in hospital. A fundraiser organised by his daughter raised over £170,000 for the Injured Jockeys Fund.
December
Gavin Sheehan and Jamie Snowden teamed up to take the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury with Datsalrightgino, but the Fighting Fifth could not go ahead due to the weather, so Constitution Hill’s return to action was delayed. The rearranged race was held at Sandown and neither Constitution Hill nor stablemate Shishkin ran due to the ground, with Hughie Morrison’s Not So Sleepy the winner as the outsider in a field of four. Jonbon’s fine start to the season continued as he landed the Tingle Creek from Alan King’s Edwardstone, while at Aintree the Becher Chase was won by a female jockey for this first time as Lucy Turner steered Chambard to victory for Venetia Williams. Arkle winner El Fabiolo took the Hilly Way Chase at Cork by a decent margin to underline his Champion Chase claims after Jonbon’s success. Baroness Harding then became the first female senior steward of The Jockey Club. Constitution Hill did finally reappear, at Kempton in the Christmas Hurdle – winning as odds of 1-12 suggested he would. The King George VI Chase was far less predictable, and for much of the way anyone watching Hewick – a horse who cost a mere £800 – could have been forgiven for ripping up their ticket. But in an astonishing finish – which included Shishkin departing when slipping following the second-last, where he was going strongly in front – Shark Hanlon’s charge roared home under Gavin Sheehan. At Leopardstown’s big festive meeting, Galopin Des Champs impressed in the Savills Chase, State Man won the Matheson Hurdle and Marine Nationale oozed class on his fencing debut.
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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