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Action on the track at Sunday’s Culturama Race Meet in Nevis

By Curtis Morton
Caribbean News Now contributor

CHARLESTOWN, Nevis -- It is not often that persons attending a horse race meet hosted by the Nevis Turf and Jockey Club would be looking forward to each race as if it was the featured race of the day. However, that was the case on Sunday, as the horseracing body hosted its Culturama Race Meet.

The first indication that it was a special event was demonstrated by the fact that a huge crowd showed up early, well in advance of race one. By the third race, the stands were filled to capacity and the grounds were filled with spectators.

Race one saw the return of a former champion horse, Thunder. However, he apparently wanted to be the star all by himself as he promptly dumped his jockey on the first turn and completed the race on his own. Emil J and Primavera finished in a dead heat, much to the excitement of the crowd.

In race two, top Jockey Brem Liburd was also sidelined by his horse, Lady’s Pleasure, but Princess Medelys and Gottogetarythm produced another tight finish.

Race three had the crowd roaring once more as Rossman and Ladyboss ended the race in another nail biter.

Race four was billed as the feature race of the day, with the undefeated Mr Big Pepe coming up against the hitherto unbeaten Real Aspectation, moving up from a lower class. Also involved were De She Devil, Lowette’s Hill and Wild Candy.

The tension was tremendous and several of the jockeys false started, even though the white flag remained raised throughout. The mistake was compounded by the fact that the jockeys then allowed the horses to run the full course of the track. There was a bit of a standoff as some of the owners did not seem inclined to allow their horses back onto the track. However, after an uncertain pause the horses returned to the track.

The experienced Claire Yearwood pointed out to one of the owners that De She Devil seemed to be pulling up lame on one leg. This was ignored and the horse was sent back into the race. The horse failed to complete the race, diagnosed with a broken leg and unfortunately had to be put down by the police officers, so De She Devil is no more.

The ultimate champion, Mr Big Pepe ran away from the tired opposition to take the race quite easily.

Race five however, in the minds of most persons, was the race of the day. In the final meters, it was Real Magic and Eddie The Spouse in a dead heat. So close was the finish that many persons gathered around to watch the camera reviews over and over again. There was much argument and debate and eventually it was decided that the final decision will be made in a more private setting. It is understood that there has also been a protest raised by the Arthur Sharpe’s stables on the assumption that Eddie The Spouse may have been pushed into the rails by Real Magic on the final turn. It is also understood that the horse now has a huge hole in its leg due to the impact on the rails.

From all reports, a meeting to finalize the decision on that last race will be held sometime on Wednesday with the benefit of a video review.

Sumarized Results:

Race One
1st Emil J
2nd Primavera
3rd All Eyes On Me

Race Two
1st Princess Medelys
2nd Gottogetarythym
3rd My God Father

Race Three
1st Rossman
2nd Lady Boss
3rd Shaken Shay

Race Four
1st Mr Big Pepe
2nd Lowette’s Hill
3rd Wild Candy

Race Five
Still to be determined

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