THE name Christopher Armond is synonymous with horse racing in Jamaica.

Armond’s equine pedigree can be traced to his father, Joseph, and his grandfather, Altamont, the latter two having owned and bred horses. Both Joseph and Altamont Armond were also administrators of the sport in various capacities over many years. In addition, the Armond family holds the unique distinction of being inducted into Jamaica’s Racing Hall of Fame.

Chris, the current racing director at promoting company Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL), shared some of his most treasured memories of the Superstakes.

“There are so many great moments, I can’t really pick one out.

“The first running of the first Superstakes in 1978 was a very special occasion, which Legal Light won.

“And then we had a horse by the name of Prince Consort that won an exceptional race in 1987 as well, plus there is also Kaz Hoshay, a filly who dominated rivals in 1982.

“Then we had a Trinidad invader named Baree Bahim in 1986, coming here and dominating us and then in 1996, another Trinidadian horse by the name of Adoring Groom won the Superstakes.

“Another special day would be when Restless Babe won the Superstakes in 1994. That day there was a heavy and consistent downpour of rain and we were just able to get through the races, and that was the first time the Superstakes was offered overseas.

“George HoSang on The Viceroy in 1992 beating stablemate and Triple Crown champion, Milligram.

“Plus, Miracle Man who won back-to-back Superstakes in 2005 and 2006; and of course, he went on to fly the colours of Jamaica brightly by winning the Confraternity Classic in Puerto Rico.

“Those were very special moments for me. I have to add that I was especially proud when the Superstakes was able to attract overseas horses to come to Jamaica, something that has not been done in a very long time,” Armond shared.