Trainer Anthony Nunes’ filly Enthusiasm, owned and bred by Michael Bernard, made a successful debut, winning the Starters’ Trophy on Saturday, December 14, 2024.

The encouraging victory came over four furlongs (800m), with Enthusiasm (Wow Wow – Noon It Is) crossing the finish line in the maiden special weight contest by a narrow three-quarters of a length ahead of her rivals. The two-year-old bay filly won in a time of 47.2 (24.1).

With Omar Walker in the saddle, Enthusiasm broke well and disputed the early lead with Native Flyer (Dane Dawkins) and Badgal Caleesi (Richard Henry). As the field approached the dummy rails, Enthusiasm took full control of the race, settling down for the last two furlongs (400m) ahead of Native Flyer and Honour Prince (Tevin Foster).

In a thrilling finish, Enthusiasm held on to win by three-quarters of a length, with
Honour Prince finishing second and Tribal Chief (Romario Spencer) getting up for third place.

Nunes was quick to praise Bernard, who had taken a chance on his locally bred stallion
Wow Wow.

“I am happy for Mr Bernard,” Nunes told the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide. “He took a chance on his own stallion Wow Wow, who is a local bred, and bred him to some of his mares, and this nice win is a testament to his efforts. It’s Wow Wow’s first win as a stallion, and I’m very pleased for Mr Bernard.”

Nunes attributed Enthusiasm’s success to her natural speed and professionalism.

“She leaves the starting gates well and is very professional,” he noted.

“She’s just a baby, and it’s all so natural. As trainers, when we’re talking about first-time starters going three and four furlongs, they’re doing it all. We’re just keeping them healthy and sound.”

— Ruddy Allen