Ras Emanuel takes feature in Steward’s room
The outcome of the top-rated Overnight Allowance event on the nine-race programme at Caymanas Park yesterday was eventually decided in the Steward’s room.
Shining Light, under Hakeem Pottinger, in a stirring stretch duel with both Ras Emanuel (Robert Halledeen) in the middle and Another Bullet (Wesley Henry) on the inside, got up to beat Ras Emanuel by a neck with Another Bullet fading behind in third in the 1,500-metre event.
An immediate Stewards’ inquiry was announced followed by a jockey’s objection from Halledeen. At the end of the inquiry and jockey’s objection, the colours of Shining Light were taken down and placed third, with the race awarded to Ras Emanuel, trained by Peter McMaster. Another Bullet was then promoted to second position.
The official announcement from the stewards stated that Shining Light was disqualified for causing interference to both Ras Emanuel and Another Bullet in the last furlong of the race.
The winning time was a good 1:32:3 minutes.
“I had to check a furlong out. I took a pull because the horse ( Shining Light) came down on me,” Halledeen told the Jamaica Observer.
Also highlighting the day was a superb victory by Awesome Destiny in a Restricted Stakes event over 1,400 metres.
Trained by Gary Subratie and ridden by Dane Dawkins, the American-bred filly Awesome Destiny powered away from rivals in deep stretch to win easily by four lengths over Princess Emanuelle (Natalie Berger) and Mr Doitbetta, the mount of Pottinger, in a quick 1:25:3 minutes.
Racing continues at the park tomorrow with a 11-race programme.