Trainer Ricardo Mathie is savouring the success of his talented 4-year-old American-bred dark bay/brown colt, Pack Plays, and is already looking forward to more success in top-grade races.

After Pack Plays’ dominant win in the Betting, Gaming, and Lotteries Commission (BGLC) Trophy feature on August 1, 2025, Mathie expressed his confidence in the colt’s future prospects.

“Going forward, I am looking for more Grade One races and to be victorious in them,” Mathie said, highlighting his ambition for
Pack Plays.

This win has clearly boosted Mathie’s confidence in the colt’s abilities, and he believes Pack Plays has the potential to excel at the highest level.

Pack Plays, ridden by Richie Shakes, delivered an impressive performance, outpacing his rivals by 1 ½ lengths in the Open Allowance contest over five-and-a-half furlongs (1,100m). Pack Plays completed the race in a swift 1:06.4, with Mojito (Raddesh Roman) finishing second and Mahogany (Dane Dawkins) taking third.

Pack Plays left his starting stall, got off to a good start and quickly surged to the front approaching the half-mile turn (800m). As the field approached the distance, Pack Plays injected pace and pulled away from his rivals in deep stretch to secure a convincing win.

Mathie’s strategy to keep Pack Plays fresh after his previous outing paid off, as the colt showed no signs of fatigue in his dominant display.

“I just slowed him down in the works and kept him fresh for this race,” Mathie explained, highlighting the importance of careful planning and management in bringing out the best in his talented charge.

“I am very pleased with the performance from Pack Plays. He ran the last time out with Wall Street Trader and I just kept him fresh from there and brought him back for this race,” Mathie told the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.

— Ruddy Allen