COVER DRIVE BEATS THE ODDS

It is not often that a horse breaks the maiden tag and wins the first time of asking in the class above. Such was the case with the Ludford Williams-trained Cover Drive last Saturday. With Douglas Badaloo doing the riding honours once again, Cover Drive (Shuffling Maddness – Desperatehousewife) was slowly out of the starting gates and came with a very strong run in the last furlong to win by five-and-a-half lengths going away in a non-winners of two event over 1,820 metres. The winning time was 2:04:2 minutes. Trainer Williams is to be congratulated for his success with Cover Drive.

Trainer Ludford Williams (right) chatting with jockey Douglas Badaloo. (PHOTOS: JOSEPH WELLINGTON)

FOUR HORSES CLAIMED ON SATURDAY

Four horses were claimed on the 11-race programme at Caymanas Park on Saturday last. The Patrick Taylor-trained St Bernard was claimed by Welsh Soutar for Diamonds for $250,000, and Speedy Process was claimed from Fitzroy Glispie by Donovan Plummer for Geraint Parchment for $250,000 from the eighth race. In the 11th and final race, I’m Alright was taken by Morris Powell for Jennifer Hall from Johnny Wilmot for $180,000, and Pocket Money was claimed from Deon Facey by Ryan Darby for Raphael Gordon for $180,000.

Pocket Money claimed for $180,000

WINSTON GRIFFITHS STILL HAS THE TOUCH

He may not be the force of yesteryear, but the ‘fanning’ forever associated with Winston ‘Fanna’ Griffiths continues to light up proceedings at Caymanas Park. On Saturday last Griffiths gave a glimpse of his undoubted mastery of the pigskin when he guided home the Lorenzo Robinson-owned and trained Action Man over the five straight course to register his maiden victory. Action Man won by 11 and a half lengths from Alycinth, with Seeking Hope in third position. Keep on doing what you’re doing, ‘Fanna’.

Winston ‘Fanna’ Griffiths on Action Man.

ERROL SUBRATIE, MICHAEL DIXON PASS ON

Trainer Errol Subratie and former jockey Michael Dixon both died last week. Subratie, who is the father of top conditioner Gary Subratie, died last Thursday after a long illness. He was 75. ‘Sub’ or ‘Subbie’ as he was called by those in racing is remembered for his ability to laugh and to enjoy himself. Funeral arrangements are not known as yet. Dixon, a top-notch apprentice in the early 1970s, will always be remembered for his victory in the 1974 Governor’s Cup when he brought the Alan ‘Billy’ Williams-trained Pheidippides with a scorching late run to beat the highly fancied Indian Flame with George HoSang in the saddle. It was a victory for the ages. The Complete Racing Guide offers condolences to the family and friends of Errol Subratie and Michael Dixon.

Errol Subratie