The thrill of watching Just Call Me Roger win the Bernard Dulal-Whiteway Independence Cup, outrunning last year's Gold Cup winner Montejo and Mob The Warrior on the 50th anniversary of this country's Independence, was something to savour. The skill of Nobel Abrego ensured that Paul Mouttet's five-year-old stayed in front, to land the $120,000 first prize cheque. That performance was matched only by the impressive victory of The Big Squeeze in the Neal & Massy Oaks Stakes and the cumulative competition in the other races on the ten-event programme, sponsored by Neal & Massy. Just Call Me Roger stunned the 8,000 plus fans and turfites when he topped the 10 other challengers to win the 60th running of the prestigious event by 1 1/4 lengths from the 7/1 shot Montejo with the well backed Mob The Warrior in third spot. The day certainly lived up to expectations with one winner on the day's card sporting the colours of the Republic. That patriotic winner was D Boyz Syndicate's The Big Squeeze.
Just Call Me Roger gave 50-year-old Glenn Mendez his first Independence Cup success, while Abrego celebrated his first victory for the trainer. It was the second victory in this event for owner Mouttet, whose Bruceontheloose won three years ago. On Friday, Mouttet watched joyfully as his royal blue and light green silks were carried triumphantly to victory. Mendez, who could not hide his delight, described Just Call Me Roger as "a very good horse". "He has had his hoof problems and over the past six weeks we were not happy. We even brought in bar-shoes for him. Today (Friday) though, the turf surface was kind to him. Once he quickened at the far turn, that was it. It was a great performance," said Mendez.
He gave credit to Abrego for a magnificent waiting ride. Abrego said, "Big races are for big jockeys. He was always travelling well and when I asked him to quicken he did so effortlessly. It was an easy success." In the co-feature Neal & Massy Oaks, the Michael Carew Jr -trained The Big Squeeze ridden by Shane Ellis blew away the opposition in the 1,800 metres. The filly won impressively by 3 1/2 lengths and looks a worthy challenger to Onetokeep for the Derby. Punters and turfites are eagerly awaiting the clash between Onetokeep, Big Thing, The Big Squeeze and Free Passage in Derby.
Abrego gave the Neal & Massy Day At The Races an "officious" start, when the aptly named nominee gave owner Antonio Navarro and trainer Kenneth De Silva, the first drink on the day. Third Time Lucky scored an upset victory for owner/trainer Rohit Dube in the second. Angelica Jane came late and fast to catch Flight On in the third, before Mendez landed his impressive first time scorer Ramblin Rose, in the fourth, with Ricky Jadoo. It was then Juan Navarro, Derick Mosca and Lionel Ramos turn, with the trio combining to secure wins in the next two races with the impressive Lady Marisa and Free Passage, respectively. Apprentice Kerron Khelawan then landed his first career win with 65/1 shot Nakita beating Lawbreaker with racing legend Emile Ramsammy having to settle for second. Private Marshal gave a seal of approval to Neal & Massy's excellence, outbattling Destiny Train for Harriram Gobin, in the last event. Thrills on the track over, the Neal & Massy All Stars played on, adding to the festive atmosphere and serenading the thousands who came with their picnic baskets, reviving memories of the Christmas meeting at the Queen's Park Savannah. Arima Race Club (ARC) president Hugh Lee-King described it as a "superb" day of racing. That, together with the fact that a sum of $330,000 was wagered in the Dulal – Whiteway Independence Cup, served as a major injection to the local racing industry. Chris Armond, the Cheif Executive Officer of the ARC, thanked all and sundry for the support and was indeed happy with the $1.9 million wagered on the day. Fans are already singing praises to David O'Brien and his company for what was, undoubtedly, one of the best organised racing days for the year.
