Sunday, September 7 2008

CHAMPAGNE ON DECK came with a sweeping late run to win the Allowance feature on Arima Race Club Day 33 at Santa Rosa Park, Arima, yesterday.

And the victory in the 1100 metres sprint on a turf course made soggy by a sharp heavy shower, gave wily owner-trainer-breeder Maniram “Boboy” Maharaj a great birthday gift.

In mid-division most of the trip, jockey Gary Laban poinced on leaders Luca’s Gold and Bahira to land the spoils.

Bright King finished fast to grab the runner-up spot with Bahira fading into third.

The 10-year-old big-hearted horse Man Of Class ran on strongly to be fourth and must wait yet another day for that 26th victory to claim the title of most wins on the 14-year-old Santa Rosa Park track and go past Chanticleeer with who he currently shares the crown.

The popular Southern Medical Clinic Ltd-sponsored Hi 5 was shared by three lucky turfites who each received $51,543.40 for correctly forecasting Aintmisbehavingyet-Romantic Passion-Tryandlikeit-Zimcan-Harry’s Dream five.

Leading apprentice Keishan Balgobin had a grand day in the saddle landing three winners including in the first two races of the day.

In the process, Balgobin has taken his win tally to 40 and so reducing his apprentice claim to just one kilogramme.