TRAINER Fitzgerald Richards was beaming with joy following Ability’s victory on Saturday, May 25, 2024 in the six-furlong, Open Allowance, I’m Satisfied Trophy.

Not only was it the first win from the first start as the conditioner of
Ability but Richards with that success also reached the significant career landmark of 150 wins.

“My first winner was in 2007 with a horse named Navajo Joe. Since then it has not been an easy ride. There have been many ups and downs in my career but, through hard and dedicated work plus the backing of several owners and the participation of my staff over the years, I have been able to reach 150 winners.

“For me, racing is my life, it is my love, so I give it my all. I am proud, in fact, very proud that I have been able to achieve 150 wins. My task now is to progress to number 200 and beyond and, trust me, I am dedicated to that task,” Richards said.

As to the success of Ability, who recently joined his stables, Richards gave praise to the jockey and the talent of the horse.

“Tevin [Foster] gave Ability the perfect ride,” Richards stated. “He waited and got the horse to give his best where it mattered most.”

Despite limited time training Ability, Richards knew there was talent there. “We all knew this horse has class, and he showed that again.”

Ability, under Foster’s guidance, surged in the final furlong to win the Open Allowance six-furlong event by a head in a final time of 1:12.1 with splits of 22.2 x 46.0. “It was a rewarding victory and I am pleased,” Richards said.

He added: “While it’s early for a definitive assessment, Ability seems happy and healthy post-race. He ate out well, and thus far he is in good order; of course we will continue to make the relevant checks to make sure,” Richards assured.

Looking ahead, Richards offered an update on the present status of his stables.

“At present I have 15 horses in training,” he said, “with three two-year-olds who are showing promise. I also have three unraced three-year-olds, and recent winner Brenda Boy should continue to develop well.

“Only time will tell,” Richards concluded, “but, as usual, I am working hard, putting in long hours to ensure the stables can produce more and more winners.”