Former champion trainer Anthony ‘Baba’ Nunes turns heads with 5-win weekend
Despite lacking the firepower to contend for the trainer’s championship title, Anthony “Baba” Nunes showcased his well-known conditioning skills, saddling an impressive five winners over last weekend’s two-day racing carnival.
Nunes, a three-time champion trainer (2019, 2020, and 2021), demonstrated his signature expertise with a trio of winners on Saturday, October 5, 2024 followed by a double on Sunday, October 6.
Nunes’ weekend successes underscored his status as one of the country’s premier trainers.
Nunes’ winners on Saturday were Mr Senator in the fifth race, Irish Wish in the sixth race, and Supremasi in the seventh race. All horses were ridden by current leading jockey Tevin Foster.
“It is always nice to win one race, much less three,” Nunes told the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.
“All of the horses ran well, and I was very pleased with them as they trained well and Tevin [Foster] gave them fabulous rides. The grooms worked hard, and the team back at the stable did what they always do, and it was just our day,” Nunes added.
Commenting on the performance by Supremasi, Nunes said: “He is a really nice colt that I forced to try and be a Classic horse, but he really wasn’t ready for it. He is a big, far-striding colt that needed some more time, and we decided that after the St Leger just to start all over. This was his first run back, and I am just pleased with him. He does have potential. He is a talented horse; once he stays healthy and sound, we should have some fun with him.”
Nunes returned on Sunday and saddled Prince Amaan (Omar Walker) in the seventh race and Babylove (Raddesh Roman) in the eighth race.
“We always try and go; I mean, I don’t have the horses to compete for the championship, but hopefully we can get back there in another couple of years,” Nunes said.