The starting of the year, January 1, 2009, was a blast that surely brought back exciting horse racing in beautiful Burrell Boom Village at the Castleton Race Track. It was an 8-race card.
The first race of the day was the G-CLASS,going 3 furlongs. “Calistar” reversed things from the last race, as she ran over a six-horse field. “Misty” was second, while “Something” was third, “Blondie” fourth , “Carmelo” fifth, and “Bethseda” did not start. Winning Jockey was Manuel Rodriguez.
The second race of the day was the F-CLASS, going 4 furlongs. “Flaco,” from Gabourel Stables, made it two in a row, as he ran over a four-horse field. “Black Gold” was second, while “G-Money” took third, leaving “Precious Gift” in the last spot. Winning jockey was young and upcoming Dwayne “Ducat” Cox.
The third race of the day was the E-CLASS,going 4 furlongs. “Ruby,” from Gabourel Stables, got over “Lucky Shot,” who took second, leaving “”Purple High” in third. Favourite and 2008 upgraded horse of the year “Hot Coin” was fourth, while “Miss Rebel” was fifth, leaving “Undecided” to take the last spot. Winning jockey was again young “Ducat” Cox.
The fourth race of the day was the C-CLASS,going 5 furlongs. “Foxy Lady” from Fox Stables, with “Bam” as trainer, went up in class and embarrassed the four-horse field. “Unfinished Business” was second, “Sir Charles” was third, leaving “Nothing Nice” in the last spot. Winning jockey was “The Revolutor” Budd.
The fifth race of the day was the 3-YEAR-OLD THOROUGHBRED FOR COLTS & FILLIES, going 5 furlongs. Britney’s “Paloma Negra” got over “Fina” and “Black Mamba,” in that order, leaving “Shush” to take the last spot. Winning jockey was again “The Revolutor”.
The sixth race of the day was the B-CLASS, going 6 furlongs. Samuel’s Stables’ “April” showed her dominance once more, as she ran over a four-horse field. Valencia’s “Blessed Kid” was again second, while Cuello’s “Watch Me Run” was also third again, leaving “Death Warrant” in the last spot once more. Winning jockey was young and upcoming “Ducat”.
The seventh race of the day was the THOROUGHBRED ALLOWANCE, going 6 furlongs. Britney’s Stables’ “Time to Shine” surely shone on the New Year, as he got over “Cha Cha,” leaving “Ali High” to take the last spot. Winning jockey was “The Revolutor”.
The eighth and final race of the day was the SANTIAGO CASTILLO CUP, going seven furlongs. Urbina’s Stables’ “D-Star” showed that Boxing Day was no fluke, as she rallied past a seven-horse field. “Dawn” was second, while “Halo & Goodbye” was third. Fourth was “Victory Kiss,” fifth was “Cimmaron Eyes,” and “Black Jack” sixth. “Spirit of God” lost her jockey and did not finish. Winning jockey was E. Martinez.
It was a great day of races at Castleton. The New Year proved to be a good start. I’d like to thank The Santiago Castillo Group of Companies and Red Bull, and in particular Santino “The Chief” Castillo, for this big one again. To my entire Belizean people who came out to support our sport, a big thank you too.
The next race meet should be the end of this month at Sugar City, and then back at Castleton in mid-February.
Jockey of the Day was once again Earl “The Revolutor” Budd, 2008 Jockey of the Year, with three wins, the same as “Ducat,” but got 2 thirds and a second to outwit “Ducat”.
It was great doing this, and, until next time, I’ll just gallop out of here. See Ya!!!