Today’s feature event was another renewal of the six-furlong Rimsky Trophy, named in honour of this remarkable horse, who won several races in Florida. Trained by Alan E “Billy” Williams, Rimsky, one of the highest-rated handicappers of the day, carried over his sprinting form into racing successfully against opposition of infinitely higher quality. It is a sobering reminder that back in the 60s, 70s & 80s the breeding industry was delivering top-class three-year-olds, many of which made it to the highest level after the Classics.

Run as the 10th of 11 races, Fernando (2-1), fresh from his third-place finish in the eight-furlong Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes last Boxing Day, looked particularly well in the post-parade. After being broadsided by rivals on either side to lose a lot of ground at the start, Fernando came from last to first. Trained by Anthony Nunes, the 2026 Rimsky winner, who scored by a half-length, was ridden by champion Raddesh Roman to close his first three-timer of the season.

In the opening event, a lightly raced six-year-old, Briscoe (4-1), from the Andre Adams stable, guided by Evertte Clunis, dominated the gallop with his early advantage unchallenged for a five-length margin at the end of the five and a half furlong contest. This was followed in race two by an impressive debut delivered by the Jason DaCosta-schooled three-year-old maiden debutant Dream Catcher (Robert Halledeen) with a near seven-length romp over the straight course sprint.

Race three, run over the straight course, went to Abreathoffreshair (2-1), declared by Phillip Lee and partnered by claimer Jaheim Anderson to score by just over four lengths. Whilst in race four, 2022 champion Dane Dawkins rated Cutout (5-1),declared by owner/trainer Lesra Thompson, to a gate-to-wire success by nearly four lengths. Race five gifted Roman the first of his three wins, and Nunes the first of his stable double with The Hot Dancer (3-5) scoring from in front over five and a half furlongs.

Roman had his second in race six, run at five and a half furlongs, with the Adrian Prince entry
Money Box (2-1) over five lengths clear at the finish. Then, in race seven, US-bred Silent American, having her second start locally, won the five-furlong-straight gallop by two lengths for third-generation trainer Steven Todd with apprentice Richard Shakes in the irons for the first of two successes for this rider.

On his first mount of the season, accomplished reinsman Bebeto Harvey, who spends more time on the North American circuit these days, produced a masterclass aboard James (3-1) by timing the late-running Michael Spencer’s charge to score by a length and a half over the five furlongs round of race eight.

Richard Shakes confirmed his riding double in race nine when he piloted Miss Lynton (2-1) to win the five-and-a-half contest for owner/trainer Robert French. Finally, to close the card, Youville Pinnock, a rider who should be given far more opportunities, had a rare success in guiding Welsh Soutar’s Jodie’s Fund (9-1) to a three-length margin of victory over the six and a half furlongs of the nightcap.

The Training Feat Award is presented to Welsh Soutar for the return to form of
Jodie’s Fund. This is an inconsistent and difficult-to-train four-year-old filly, whose previous race was on September 30 of last year. The Best Winning Gallop was delivered with the courage, speed and stamina Fernando in winning the feature with Raddesh Roman executing an exacting assignment requiring the perfect application of his full skill set for the Jockeyship Award.

Trainer Welsh Soutar (left) and jockey Youville Pinnock after the win by Jodie’s Fund. (Photo: Joseph Wellington)