GANDALF, superbly ridden by Jalon Samuel, became the 79th winner of the Massy United Insurance Barbados Derby yesterday at the Garrison Savannah.
In contrast to his disqualification following the Midsummer Creole Classic, the stewards were not called upon to act as after rescuing the lead from Jackmanannaygap, Don’t Doubt Doris and Jewel, he ran his opponent into the ground in the 2 000-metre event.
As the field raced to the home stretch for the first time, the trio was relegated to stalkers, leaving stablemate Brave Star in the perfect position to challenge. Brave Star, the Midsummer winner, was given his marching orders by jockey Rickey Walcott at the four-furlong marker and he rushed to the throat of Gandalf.
Everyone at the Savannah was absorbed by the David and Goliath battle that ensued going through the three-furlong marker.
The challenger got within a head of Gandalf but Samuel elicited an inspired rally from the son of Rocamador out of Poetic Justice to turn away the resourceful Brave Star to capture the third jewel of the Barbados Triple Crown. (LY)
