T&T jockey Learie Seecharan, who had a decent year at Hastings Racetrack in Vancouver, British Columbia last year, landed his first winner of this season when he partnered the 9-2 shot Tiz Vicious to win the opening event on Saturday over six and a half furlongs.
The 26-year-old rider was eager to get the Dave Milburn-trained Tiz Vicious out in front and did exactly that when the gates opened. Seecharan sent the son of Violence into the lead and set sensible splits of 22.64 and 45.98 for the first four furlongs. However, with a furlong and a half to race, the thoroughbred looked vulnerable as Black Metal and Laugh With Me took dead aim at the leader.
A confident Seecharan did not lose his cool and calmly asked the Minnaloushe-owned six-year-old gelding to quicken up and he did, the six-year-old galloped on convincingly for a one-length victory in the time of 1:16.80. The Willow Creek-owned Laugh With Me stayed on for second just a head in front of Black Metal.
When Guardian Media Sports spoke to Seecharan, he said, "I want to thank trainer Dave Milburn for giving me the opportunity to ride Tiz Vicious and I am happy to land my first winner of the season. Yes, it took some time but I am certain I will ride many more winners. He broke alertly and though I was pressed for first four furlongs, I thought he was still travelling well. When I asked for more, he quickened away in style. That was indeed a good run."
With twin brother Lenny now campaigning at Woodbine, Learie must be missing his twin brother.
A large crew of T&T riders are now at Hastings and they will continue to do their best.
Other riders at the Hastings Racetrack include Kimal Santo, the first apprentice to win the 'Triple Crown' as an apprentice. He rode Wise Guy to victories in the Triple Crown Classic, three years ago, Brian Boodramsing who has been the champion jockey for the past five years, Ridge Balgobin and Kerron Khelawan.
They are all looking to keep the T&T flag flying in Canada.
