Beharie kicks off season with a bang
…Jockey’s first win of 2026 sparks hope for better year ahead
Delroy Beharie, who only managed to win two races last season, has kicked off the 2026 racing season with a bang, winning from his very first ride, Phenomenal Power
on Saturday, January 3.
Trained by Anthony “Baba” Nunes, Phenomenal Power was a dominant 9-length winner in a $1.19 million Restricted Stakes contest for imported three-year-olds and upward (non-winners of three) and native-bred three-year-olds and four-year-olds (non-winners of four) over 5 ½ furlongs (1,100m).
Phenomenal Power battled with Miss MoneyPenny (Tevin Foster) at the off but when Beharie let loose the notch on his mount going into the half-mile (800m) turn, it became a stroll in the Park.
Phenomenal Power cruised home easily under the hand ride, winning ahead of Miss MoneyPenny and Amazing Force (Joy Haynes).
The three-year-old American-bred dark by colt Phenomenal Power (Violence – Drinking Dixie) stopped the clock in 1:06.3.
Beharie said that he is hoping this victory can be the catalyst for better things.
“It could’ve been better [last season], but I’m grateful for everything and the support from everyone,” Beharie said with a smile.
“I have to give thanks for life because once you have life, there’s hope. I started off nice for this year and I hope that I can continue and have a better season,” he told the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.
Beharie also gave a big shout-out to the connections of Phenomenal Power.
“I must thank the owner, trainer, and God. From there’s God, everything is possible. Success only comes with hard work and I’ll continue to work hard and hope it brings me more success,” Beharie said.
— Ruddy Allen
