One of the largest crowds to attend a horseracing meet locally turned up at Caymanas Park yesterday to witness the historic introduction of thoroughbred racing, for the first time on a Sunday.

And from all indications, it was a resounding success both for the promoting company Caymans Track Limited (CTL) and the thousands of punters who turned up for a taste of live thoroughbred racing, some for the first time and on a Sunday.

It was a quality programme of entertainment and the thousands attended, expressing the view that they wanted more. However, this may not be possible on a regular basis, considering the horse population at the racing complex at the moment.

The crowd came to the racetrack to be entertained, and it truly was. Seeing what they liked they contributed a handle of $17.9 million. And what was remarkable about the take is that this was from only eight races, with no contribution from the company’s 60-plus OTBs which were ordered closed.

These off-track betting parlours contribute some 70 per cent of the company’s overall take during a race meet.

It was only fitting for those who were on hand to see racing’s brightest prospect and leading claiming apprentice Doushane Gordon pilot the first horse to win a Sunday race at Caymanas Park when Dixie Chick took the $516,600 Restricted Allowance 1V native-bred four-year-old and upward (NW3) event.

Trained by Heaton Thomas for owner Basil K Brown, Dixie Chick beat Florence by three parts of a length in 1,100 metres event.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister, ridden by Shane Ellis, won the $715,000-Jamaica Racehorse Owners’ Association Trophy by 4 1/2 lengths. Trained by Richard Todd for son Steven, Prime Minister ran 2,000 metres in 2:10.2 for victory in the field of eight for Overnight Allowance horses three-year-olds and upward.