Philip ‘Mr Superstakes’ Feanny remembers his ‘Super Days’
BY OBSERVER RACING WRITER
THERE is no doubt that trainer Philip Feanny holds a very special place in the annals of local racing, especially when it comes to the 35 years of the
Super Day.
Feanny has won it all, several times over. The Complete Racing Guide spoke with Feanny about his memories of the biggest day in local racing.
COMPLETE RACING GUIDE (CRG): What is your fondest memory of Super Day?
PHILIP FEANNY (PF): As you can well imagine there have been many, starting with the first time I won the Superstakes with Kaz HoShay in1982. Then there was Eros in the Sprint, The Viceroy, Prince Consort, and Distinctly Irish among other great horses I have trained.
CRG: But if you were to choose that one or even two really, really special moments, which would those be?
PF: Well if you put me in a box, I would say the time Eros won the Sprint in 1993 and Prince Consort in the Superstakes in 1987.
CRG: Prince Consort in 1987? That is strange considering the race with The Viceroy with George HoSang and Milligram going after the bonus payment having won the Triple Crown.
PF: I can well understand your thoughts, but let me take you back. It was 1987, Baree Bahin from Trinidad won the Superstakes in 1986. Jamaica’s racing at the time had to respond, had to make a statement and for me Prince Consort did just that, winning by nine expanding lengths from Baree Bahin. That performance was a strong and clear statement by Jamaican racing, especially the
breeding side.
As to Eros, what can be said about Eros, the best sprinter this country has ever seen? In the week preceding the race, Eros picked up a stone squeeze which proved to be very problematic. Yes, he had won the race before and was, as they say, in his ‘ackee’. But then came the stone squeeze and the anxiety. We decided to race him, and I told the rider Winston Griffiths, if any stage after he left the Parade Ring the horse felt uncomfortable he must withdraw him. Well, he raced and stone squeeze and all, broke the track record for six furlongs with a time of 1:09.3. That I will not easily forget.
