David O'Brien, executive chairman of the Automotive & Industrial Equipment Business Unit, Neal & Massy Group of Companies, yesterday stated that Neal & Massy Day at the Races on Independence Day, August 31, will be as good or better than it was in 2010. O'Brien said his company will put $100,000 directly into the feature event named in honour of former chief executive officer, Bernard Dulal-Whiteway. O'Brien told the gathering that Neal & Massy was proud to be associated with the day's racing and it was a privilege as it was in 2010 to promote and continue Dulal -Whiteway's legacy. He noted that there will be giveaways for the public and pony rides and other general activities for children.
President of the Arima Race Club (ARC), Justice Wendell Kangaloo thanked Neal & Massy for continuing a part of a special day of racing. He stated that Dulal-Whiteway's achievements stood out and if the number of people who were at the 'Celebration of his Life' could come to Santa Rosa Park to view a race which is named in his honour, then Santa Rosa Park will be filled to overflowing. However, Kangaloo who gave the feature address, spoke about the current situation and explained that although the country is under a State of Emergency and curfew in specific areas, Neal and Massy's Independence Day Race Day will not be affected adversely. He said: "Santa Rosa Park is not included in the hotspots but on Wednesday, it will not only be a hotspot but a beehive of activities."
He then went on to educate the press about the roles and functions of the triumvirate in racing, the Arima Race Club (ARC), the Trinidad and Tobago Racing Authority (TTRA) and the Betting Levy Board (BLB).
On Independence Day, Horse of the Year 2009, 2010, Bruceontheloose which won the President's Cup last time out, will race from stall five in the Bernard Dulal-Whiteway Cup over 1,800 metres on the turf track.
Bruceontheloose will have a change of rider for next Tuesday's feature and will now be ridden by Brian Boodramsingh for the first time in his career. When the draw was made yesterday at Neal & Massy showroom, owner Gervan Mouttet selected post position five, for the Tres Amigos owned horse. Stablemate Raging Halo will race from post position one while the Ryan Shim trained Treasure Each Day which is seeking a hat-trick of victories will race from stall three.
The Maniram Maharaj owned and trained three-year-old colt First To Fly which will be ridden by Keiron Balgobin will race from number seven gate. The Two Amigos owned JustCallMe Roger will be ridden by Nobel Abrego and will race from post position two. Trainer John O'Brien who is seeking to win this event for the sixth time in six years looks to have a winning hand should Bruceontheloose take to the turf track. Bruceontheloose will be racing on the turf for the first time in his prestigious career but O'Brien who has farmed this race must know what it takes. O'Brien has won this event seven times in the past decade. Chloe's Gold which was fourth in the Derby will race from stall nine in the co-feature Santa Rosa Classic.
The Russell Ramsammy owned horse will be coming back in trip and looks the one they have to beat. O'Brien has three horses engaged with B'Passion, Lawbreaker and Treasure Girl. Derby winning jockey Alan Maragh will be jetted in to Ready To Score for the Dachin Racing Stables in this 1,200 metres event.
Runners and Riders
Here are declared runners and riders for the Bernard Dulal-Whiteway Independence Cup $100,000.
1. Raging Halo - J O'Brien - B Harding
2. Just Call Me Roger - J'O'Brien - K Balgobin
3. Treasure Each Day - Dr Ryan Shim - R Jadoo
4. High Mas - G Mendez - S Rodrigo
5. Bruceontheloose - J O'Brien - B Boodramsingh
6. Perfect Circle - G Mendez - J Samuel
7. First To Fly - M Maharaj - K Balgobin
8. Wild Shuffle - T Thomas - R Ali
