THE recent demise of Mark My Word, one of only a few genuine ‘A’ class horses in Jamaica at present, brings to an end the career of a truly talented thoroughbred and certainly, based on achievements, one of the best over one mile to race in this country.

This Triple Crown winner delighted racing fans with his brilliance. It was only on Sunday morning last that Mark My Word galloped seven furlongs in a touch over 1:27 minutes in preparation for the 10-furlong Prime Minister’s Stakes expected to be run over the Independence racing meets. He has not raced in 2013.

That he developed colic and died on Tuesday represents a major blow to the sport of horse racing. Trained by Richard Azan and owned by Elite Bloodstock, Mark My Word is remembered by the Complete Racing Guide by examining his Triple Crown year, 2010, as recorded in the official Racing Year book.

MARK MY WORD (THREE-YEAR-OLD)

Six victories in the eight starts including the Triple Crown and Superstakes, the four biggest events on the local racing calendar, elevated the talented Mark My Word to superstar status.

He won from 1,400 to 2,000 metres, beating the best local-breds the country had to offer, becoming the first horse in 21 years, since The Viceroy in 1989, to win the Triple Crown and Superstakes in the same season.

As if being vengeful for finishing down the track behind Lifeisjustforliving at 1,200 metres on his debut, Mark My Word became the gelding’s nemesis throughout the Triple Crown series. He stalked and beat Lifeisjustforliving in the 2000 Guineas, Jamaica Derby and St Leger, prompting the gelding’s owner, Edmund Thomas, to ask, “Is there anything such as a Triple Crown runner-up?” after Mark My Word thrashed his runner in the St Leger.

After winning the 2000 Guineas on April 5, Mark My Word lost against older horses on May 22, narrowly beaten into third place at 1,820 metres by defending Superstakes champion Hombre and the much-improved The Guv in an open allowance event.

However, that was his last defeat of the year. The chestnut colt went on to romp the Derby and St Leger before returning to outclass Hombre and The Guv in the Superstakes, winning the event by four-and-a-half lengths in a fast 2:05.1.

Mark My Word finished his three-year-old career with $12.72 million in stakes earned from six wins in eight starts. He was named Horse of the Year in 2010. Since his Triple Crown winning year, Mark My Word went on to win the Superstakes two more times, for a record of three consecutive victories in the prestigious events. During his entire career Mark My Word earned over $24 million for Elite Bloodstock, the most by any horse to race in Jamaica.

Mark My Word was a chestnut gelding by Market Rally – Miss Chestnut and was bred by HAM Stables Limited.