Knight Rider’s win in the United Insurance Barbados Derby was one of the bright sparks in the Barbados Turf Club’s second racing season, which concluded last Saturday at the Garrison Savannah.
The big two of Aristodemus and Shared Adventure also made their presence felt.
The highlight was the crowd attendance on the second day of the season – the Mohammed S. Mohamad 45th Birthday Race Day.
Fans generally follow stars and although Aristodemus, Seattle Sunshine, Nekitta and Vanity Affair were absent, only the Gold Cup crowds surpassed those who attended on that day.
At a time when the country’s economy is in the doldrums, and with sponsorship hard to find, Mohamad, the BTC’s horseman’s liaison/racing division officer and great lover of the sport, should be commended for his ability to acquire 45 sponsors for the day. His marketing skills were evident in the number of spectators who turned up.
A display of speed and good form by juvenile import Seattle Sunshine was the equine standout of the season.
The Joanne Parravicino-owned horse won three of her four starts. Her times were not earth-shattering but the manner in which she dominated her opponents was awesome.
Victor Cheeseman positioned himself once again to have a say in the outcome of the trainers’ championship by taking the second season title without much fuss.
The failure of his filly Nekitta to claim the Barbados Triple Crown didn’t take away from the success of her first two legs as a highlight of his season.
Cheeseman was able to secure two or more successes with four of his charges – Zaltarr, Vandross, Sirius Black and Vanity Affair.
