LEGACY Isle’s underwhelming seasonal debut in the Miracle Man Cup on January 1 raised eyebrows as many expected Rohan Crichton’s trainee to excel. However, Legacy Isle was pulled up during the 7-furlong event and failed to finish the race.

Since then, Legacy Isle has been training impressively. His highly anticipated return to racing on Saturday, March 22 sparked excitement among fans eager to witness his performance.

Legacy Isle delivered a stellar performance, dominating the competition to claim the $1.25-million Omar Walker Trophy feature. Under Tevin Foster’s guidance the five-year-old American-bred bay horse showcased his talent, securing a convincing 4¾-length victory in the Overnight Allowance contest over five furlongs (1,000m) on the round course.

The winning time was a smooth 1:00.1 (24.2 x 48.0). This impressive win underscores Legacy Isle’s potential to become a top-class performer.

Following Legacy Isle’s win, Crichton revealed that the ultimate goal for the horse is the lucrative Mouttet Mile in December. This victory marks the beginning of that journey. This year, the Mouttet Mile will carry a purse of US$300,000.

“He’s 100 per cent right now,” Crichton told Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide. “His next race should be sometime next month — and he will be up in class as well — and then we’ll focus on qualifying him for the Mouttet Mile. That’s the plan.”

Crichton expressed his satisfaction with Legacy Isle’s performance, which was a welcome relief after the horse’s disappointing last outing.

“It was another impressive win following Commandant last week. This was something that we had hoped for; something to build on. Legacy Isle had tick fever in his race before, and the symptoms were missed and I took blame for that, but he’s putting himself back together, which is a good sign,” he said.

Crichton acknowledged that Legacy Isle, being a large horse, requires some early hustle, but was pleased with his overall performance.

“I watched the race, and for most of the way it seemed fairly easy for him. He had a bit of riding in the last sixteenth but, overall, he looked comfortable — which is what we hoped for. I’m very happy with the win,” Crichton said.

Legacy Isle got a good break and at the off, quickly taking command and leading the field into the half-mile turn.
Chocomo (Robert Halledeen), Joy Is Golden (Shavon Townsend), and Supremasi (Shane Ellis) trailed closely behind.

As the field turned for home Legacy Isle, under a firm hold, maintained a brisk pace. Chocomo attempted to challenge but when Foster gave Legacy Isle a bit more rein the Shackleford offspring accelerated, powering home. Chocomo took second, with Supremasi finishing third.