Ruja Lahoe pilots Gold Member home
WITH no trophy race being offered on the nine-race programme, jockey Ruja Lahoe stole the spotlight by riding two winners from as many mounts at Caymanas Park yesterday.
Lahoe’s winners were highlighted by the Gresford Smith-conditioned Gold Member, who romped home easily in a Restricted Allowance event for native-bred three-year-olds non-winners of two that included maiden imported three-year-olds and upwards over the five straight course (1,000 metres straight).
After being held behind the speedy Jesse’s Favourite (Jerome Innis up) and Love Train (Shamaree Muir astride) for most of the way, Gold Member came with a strong run in the final 200 metres to win going away by four lengths over Dinner By Seven (Paul Francis aboard) and Abbey Road (Bebeto Harvey doing the honours).
The winning time was an encouraging 0:58:0 seconds behind splits of 22:3 and 45:3 seconds.
Lahoe earlier guided Joyful Rakota to victory for owner and trainer Patrick Smellie in the third race, also over 1,000 metres.
Also riding two winners were claiming apprentices Linton Steadman and Hakeem Pottinger.
Steadman opened proceedings with 5-1 betting chance Girhsom for trainer Johnny Wilmot, and then brought the curtains down aboard 5-2 betting option Express Truck for trainer Steven Todd.
Pottinger won aboard Maria’s Glory (second race) for trainer Gary Griffiths and Audre’s Blessing (sixth race) for trainer Michael McIntosh.
Racing continues next Saturday with the running of the $1.6-million Alex’s Import Gold Cup. Leading contenders for the Grade One event are Potcheen, Uppa Tune and Perfect Neighbour.