Inspire Force wins Millard Ziadie Memorial thriller
IN a thrilling finish, Inspire Force, masterfully ridden by Raddesh Roman, surged forward in the final stretch to claim victory in the $1.25-million Millard Ziadie Memorial Cup, the feature event on Sunday’s nine-race card.
The four-year-old American-bred chestnut colt Inspire Force got up in time to beat Milos, ridden by Tevin Foster, by three-quarters of a length in the Overnight Allowance contest. The race, which featured a talented field of three-year-olds and upward, was contested over five and a half furlongs (1,100m).
At the off, Inspire Force struggled to keep pace with the front-runners and had to watch proceedings with the backmarkers as God of Love (Prince Holder) and Jaguar (Shane Richardson) set a blistering tempo. Chocomo, with Robert Halledeen aboard, managed to stay within striking distance, tracking the leaders in third place.
Going into the half-mile turn Inspire Force was labouring among the back, even as Jaguar and God of Love continued to push the pace. Approaching the distance, Inspire Force was seen making strong headway but turned for home still somewhat behind the leaders as it seemed like all hope was lost, but Roman remained patient and confident.
In the final stages of the race chaos erupted as several horses spread across the track, blocking Inspire Force’s path to the finish. But Roman skillfully navigated the crowded field, finding a narrow opening for his mount to surge forward.
With a burst of speed Inspire Force split the horses and sprinted to the wire, crossing the finishing line in first place.
Chocomo held on for third, and the final time was recorded at 1:07.3.
Meanwhile, Tevin Foster and Shane Richardson were the pick among the riders with two winners each.
Foster won aboard Blue Sky in the second race for trainer Fitznahum Williams, and Princess Fianie in the seventh race for trainer Rudolph Hardial. Richards was successful aboard Anika Belle for trainer Lydia Anglin in the third race, and Always Wright for trainer Michael Marlowe in the fifth race.
Racing continues on Saturday.
