The Barbados Turf Club’s last season for the year finally going yesterday and favourite Infrared, under jockey Rasheed Hughes made light work of his opponents to land the featured 51st Anniversary Of Independence Handicap over 1 800 metres at the Garrison Savannah.
Owned by Daniel and Martin Raizman, the bay colt did not break a sweat in registering his ninth lifetime win in a smooth display from front. Daunting David, Won Grand and Nekitta all got close to the leader as the race unfolded from the gates.
Approaching the three-furlong pole, Knight Rider then joined the trio in trading positions. Having cantered into the homestretch, Infrared lengthened his lead which made the chasing pack less of a threat.
Despite Knight Rider appearing in the picture, he never caused any alarms for the winner. Nekitta just managed to hold off Won Grand for third place.
Yesterday’s Independence Celebration Day was a replica of the last season’s final race day where all saluted jockey Jarelle Beckles, who rode a beaver-trick while Infrared again took the feature.
Beckles was at his best when he displayed impeccable timing astride Steve Samaroo’s Zip Code and Bills Inc’s Voldemort. The former nailed Ameash in race three, the Parish Ambassador Handicap over 1 800 metres.
Voldemort did similarly to Banja three races later as he secured the Pride and Industry Handicap over 1 570 metres in a race that saw Beckles become a three-pound claimer. At the start, Beckles partnered with Aysha Syndicate’s colt Peruvian to hammer his opponents in the Barbados Coat Of Arms over 1 100 metres. (LY)