SOMEONE SHOWED Stephen Lashley the money.
Never mind his grand cash didn’t come at the betting both.
The Minister of Sport believes that champion Gold Cup horse Zoom is a testament to the growth of local horse racing, reasoning the sport can only go forward following the triumph of a locally-bred steed.
Lashley made the comments after the decision that led to the Gay Smith-owned creole capturing the Caribbean’s most prestigious race two days ago at the Garrison Savannah.
“I think it augurs well for the development of local horse racing,” said Lashley after Zoom ended a 13-year drought for local horses in the Gold Cup.
“It means that there still is a lot of scope for the development and certainly the confidence and the hard work that has gone into the training of our local horses and our jockeys.
“This means a lot for our local sports.”
In somewhat controversial fashion, Zoom became the first locally-bred horse to win the region’s biggest race since Federico’s triumph back in 1998.
Zoom’s triumph came after Show Me The Money, another locally-bred horse, appeared to have won the Gold Cup’s 30th edition, passing the winning post first a comfortable four-and-a-half lengths ahead of the nearest rival.
But upon further review, and an objection by Apostle’s camp, Zoom was declared the eventual winner as it was discovered that Show Me The Money had impeded the path of Apostle.
And while the second Gold Cup controversy in three years left many questioning the race’s standing, Lashley was clearly unaffected by the proceedings.
“It was good,” commented the Member of Parliament. “I enjoyed it.”
What made it more enjoyable for Lashley was seeing champion jockey Antonio Bishop hoist the Cup in just his second ride in the big race – all at the age of 21.
“I think it is also very interesting when bour young people excel in their various areas,” said Lashley.
“I, certainly as Minister of Sports and Youth, always stand by our young people. I think that when they do well we should salute them.”
