WINNER – My Friend Rich (Nosferatu – So Rare)

TRAINER – John O’Brien

JOCKEY – Brian Harding

OWNER – Challenor Jones

The Barbadian-bred entrant, My Friend Rich, was awarded the 19th running of the Red Stripe Superstakes at Caymanas Park, on Saturday, November 15, 1997.

In a most unfortunate ending, Valbert Marlowe’s PW’s Choice outbattled My Friend Rich to the wire in what would have been a track record equalling performance, but their celebrations were short-lived as the Operations Stewards disqualified the Robert Reid-ridden filly for causing interference to the runner-up and a fading War Zone.

In the end it was jubilation for the Trinidadian contingent as their 99-1 chance My Friend Rich was posted as the winner of the $3-million 2,000 metres. Ridden by Brian Harding who also rode the winner the year before, Adoring Groom, My Friend Rich raced in a prominent position for most of the way as Prince Akeem led for the first half of the race.

War Zone was put through by Emilio Rodriquez to take over the lead leaving the half-mile marker as My Friend Rich and PW’s Choice took closer orders.

Into the lane and War Zone was sent for home, however he folded quickly as PW’s Choice was produced in the middle of the track. My Friend Rich found a second gear and renewed his challenge. In the process of gaining the lead, PW’s Choice darted to the rails, hindering War Zone and My Friend Rich in the process. My Friend Rich was switched to the outside and just failed to peg back PW’s Choice.

At the winning post PW’s Choice was a nose in front of My Friend Rich with Labeeb third and War Zone fourth. After the disqualification, Labeeb was awarded second place with War Zone third and PW’s Choice fourth.

It was the first and still remains the only disqualification of a winner in the history of the Superstakes.