Another notch for Campesino
It’s now four wins from six starts this year for the seemingly ageless and always performing seven-year-old bred in utero ( Compadre – Yaella ) bay gelding Campesino .
This time the Philip Feanny- trained inmate demonstrated his versatility, coming from behind to take home the Reggae Trophy for owner Hamark Farms.
Ridden by apprentice Dane Dawkins — a replacement for another apprentice Javaniel Patterson, who had earlier on the race card fallen from his horse and had to be taken to hospital — Campesino tracked the leaders from fourth position as the speedy Talented Tony K (Wesley Henry) took the lead over King D (Oneil Mullings), and G ary Glitter (Ameth Robles) in that order.
Talented Tony K, the even money favourite, appeared to be running on wobbly legs passing the dummy rails, and that was when Dawkins produced his mount on the outside. Campesino responded and powered away from rivals to score by two and a half lengths.
Horse of the Year, Seeking My Dream, who was trying his luck at the distance for the first time, came with a strong run in the half furlong (100m) to earn second place. Gary Glitter, who was prominent throughout the race held on well for third. Campesino was timed in 59.2 seconds after completing splits of 22.2 seconds for the first two furlongs, and 45.4 seconds for the half mile.
“It was a good performance by Campesino to win today (Saturday). He ran his usual game, genuine race, and was good for the victory. The plan going into the race was to sit as a close as possible and hope that he ( Campesino) could them in the end and that was exactly what he did,” Feanny said.