ANDRE-MARTIN–RICHARD-MITCHELL-ON-OVERSEAS-DUTIES

RACE goers would have noticed the absence of Andre Martin from last Saturday’s 10-race programme. The Complete Racing Guide has been informed that Martin left the island last Thursday and will now be plying his trade at the Santa Rosa Racetrack in Trinidad and Tobago. Martin was on hand at the racetrack on Wednesday helping the new apprentices with their gate test. It is not clear how long Martin will be in the twin-island republic. Meanwhile Richard Mitchell has returned to the USA to ride at the Golden Gate racetrack.

EIGHT HORSES CLAIMED ON SATURDAY

Eight horses were claimed on the 10-race programme at Caymanas Park last Saturday. Lovetta Jones was claimed from Steadman Curtis by Tyrone Prince for Texas Crew for $350,000; Lashing Force, who broke down in the race, was claimed by Lorne Kirlew for A&S Racing Stables for $350,000 from Anthony Nunes, and the Oneil Markland-trained Aquilo was taken by Nunes for Stephan Narinesingh also for $350,000 from the second race. In the eighth race, Ryan Darby lost Winesha for $250,000 to Fitzgerald Richard for Soldier Camp, Hawkeye was claimed from Lorne Kirlew by Kevin Brivette acting as both trainer and owner for $250,000, and Ryan Darby claimed Burning Medic for Raphael Gordon from Denrick Chambers for $250,000. Oh My Grand Pa was claimed from Lee Clarke by Cleveland Mitchell for Raymond Townsend for $180,000, and El Patron was taken from Marlon Anderson by Norman Smith for Michael Ray for $180,000 from the 10th and final race.

JOHN DE LINJAH FINALLY A WINNER

After 29 attempts, John De Linjah finally released the maiden tag to bring relief to his connections. John de Linjah, who was ridden by Omar Simpson and went off as the 9-5 second favourite in a field of nine, rallied strongly in the last furlong of the 1,400-metre event to win going away by three-and-a-half lengths in a time of 1:30:3 minutes.

THE GOOD FORM OF RAYAN WILSON CONTINUES

Jockey Rayan Wilson is riding in good form these days. Going into last Saturday’s 10-race card, Wilson had already ridden two winners and was looking good in the saddle. On Saturday he guided the Leroy Tomlinson-trained Sheer Madness to win by a short head over Little Rhea (Dane Nelson). It was a cheeky win, as Wilson brought Sheer Madness with a late run on the rails to just get home. Please continue, Mr Wilson.