Major salute

A top horse and a top jockey usually add up to the winners’ enclosure. And yesterday’s 33rd running of the Sandy Lane Gold Cup was further proof of that.
American horse Major Marvel, with ace Barbadian jockey Patrick Husbands astride, proved to be an unbeatable combination, delivering as expected.
For Husbands, who had been sidelined with injury and is considering retiring, this was like winning a Grammy.
“It’s just a great honour and a great pleasure riding in Barbados for the Gold Cup alone because it’s like winning a Grammy award,” said Husbands, who will turn 41 in May.
Owner of Major Marvel, Kenneth Ramsey, explained that from the time he saw Husbands pass the finish line for the first time in second position, he knew the result was a foregone conclusion.
“When he went by the stand the first time lying second, we felt good because that’s where we wanted to be.