Mack and Rome bounces strong in George HoSang Trophy
After a tough second-place finish behind Oil Machine over 7½ furlongs (1,500m) on January 31, 2026, trainer Saqlain Roman said he was confident in Mack and Rome’s chances in the $1.25-million George HoSang Trophy on Saturday, February 7.
The five-year-old bay horse delivered, sprinting to a convincing 3¾ length win in the Overnight Allowance contest over 5 furlongs (1,000m) straight.
Mack and Rome, ridden by Garvin Harris, won ahead of Bulletproofcoffee (Demar Williams) and Champion Bubbler (Tevin Foster) in 57.4 (23.2 x 45.4).
Roman said he was confident from the start, citing the outside draw as a major advantage.
“Based on the outside draw, I was confident in his winning chances. Going five furlongs straight, you want to draw on the outside. From as long as you have speed and you are drawn on the outside, you will leave them [sprint away].” Roman told the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.
Roman praised the colt’s performance, highlighting his unique racing style.
“Mack and Rome doesn’t like when you rush him from the gates; he loves when you let him break on his own and then take time to pick up. I am very pleased with the performance,” he said.
Roman added: “Let’s see how he comes out of this race and then up to the Open Allowance level for him.”
Harris was also pleased with Mack and Rome’s effort.
“The trainer said I must get a good break and stay at my position at the 14 number. I was confident in getting the job done and I did that,” Harris said.
— Ruddy Allen
Retired jockey George HoSang (left) congratulates trainer Saqlain Roman for winning the race named in his honour on Saturday, February 7, 2026. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)
