Anderson “Tom” Trotman again wrote his name in the history books of Barbados racing yesterday when he became the most successful jockey ever to have ridden at the Garrison Savannah in recording his 510th win majestically aboard Lollipop.
It was joy all around for new connections – the Rum Company – and their debutant two-year-old filly having landed the Santa Claus Allotted Weights Race over 1 100 metres. In the process, Trotman, an eight-time champion jockey, eclipsed the previous record holder Venice “Pappy” Richards.
He was fittingly given a guard of honour by fellow jockeys as he made his way back to the jocks room. From there, the 41-year-old put on a riding exhibition for his fans, winning another two races to share the spotlight with the irresistible Northern Star and jockey Antonio Whitehall.
In the feature race, the Victor Cheeseman and Mervyn Rollins colt showed no compassion for his three female rivals who all struggled to keep his company. It was a performance that could easily see him repeat as Horse of the Year, having galloped home under no pressure five and a half lengths clear of Princess Tiana.
Butterfly momentarily attempted to test Northern Star’s early pace before the stream forced her to back pedal while Stolen, who last race day ran Northern Star to a neck broke last and never heard the champ’s hooves.
Following his record win, Trotman was presented with a trophy sent by Richards and pictures by several well wishers, among them trainer Liz Deane, Eddie Belle and Wayne “John Henry” Best.
When the action resumed, he made all the running with the Sir David Seale pair of Forsaken One and Gabriella Marie to give Deane a brace. The former won the Season Greetings Handicap while the latter, immediately after, won the Christmas Cheer Handicap – both sprint races.
The race for the jockeys championship got even more interesting as challenger Rickey Walcott, through a brace, overtook defending champion Rasheed Hughes.
Walcott unlocked the code to the 1 800 metres Sale Graduates’ Vase Handicap with owner Steve Samaroo’s colt Zip Code, who swept by his opponents by a massive ten and three quarter lengths. He then teamed up astride Luther G Miller and wife Suzanne’s filly Fleurette to capture the Happy Holidays Handicap over 1 5 70 metres, giving Cheeseman a racing double.
Also doubling up on the card was trainer Jonathon Simpson and jockey Lester Edwards working as a team. They won with Brighton Belle and Solid Gold. The former, which is owned by Juliette Skinner and Angela Simpson, won Division B of the Tis The Season To Be Jolly Handicap over 1 570 metres.
Simpson’s mare Solid Gold survived an objection to run away with the Christmas Handicap sprinting 1 100 metres. (LY)
