Trainer Michael Lutchman celebrated a double victory at Santa Rosa Park, Arima, last Saturday, entering the winner’s enclosure with Valiante and Red Alert on the six-race card. Both horses were piloted by the day’s top rider, Tristan Phillips.
While Lutchman did not win the feature race—which went to the 6-1 shot El Chico Malo, trained by Jonathan Lyder—his two wins secured him the title of leading trainer for the day.
Lutchman was especially pleased when his three-year-old Valiante beat favourite Have A Great Day by 2 1/4 lengths in the fourth race. Speaking about Valiante’s performance, Lutchman said, “He has kept his form and is still improving. He has shown that he will quicken up well in the final 300 metres, and he showed all and sundry that he could do it on Saturday. He has come out from the race well, and I look forward to seeing him go well in his next race. I am so happy for owner Ronald Ragoobarsingh; he deserves more.”
The final race winner, Red Alert, proved she is now fully fit and ready and she showed how well she was in taking the race from the starting stalls to the finish line. Phillips’ ride on Red Alert, in particular, was exceptional, especially considering the horse carried top weight.
“He needed to break alertly, and he did. He led, kept up the gallop, went clear at the corner, and looked as though he would never be caught. He showed his resilience by galloping hard to the line and ensured victory at a good price for punters. That was a great run from the speedy Red Alert.”
Reflecting on winning two races, Lutchman said, “I am feeling really well. I think if all is well and my horses continue their good form, we will win some more races before the season ends. The horses have shown that they are well and doing superbly, and I am happy for that.”
Day Ten of the Arima Race Club’s (ARC) racing season was a memorable one for Lutchman, demonstrating his continued commitment to being the best in his profession.
When Guardian Media Sports spoke to Lutchman yesterday, he emphasised the collective effort behind his stable’s success. “Hard work really pays off! I am very happy for the jockeys, grooms, and owners in my stable. We have a great relationship. It was indeed a great day for me to win two races out of six contested.”
Lutchman singled out his rider, “I must say, to have Tristan Phillips, one of the best jockeys, riding in my stable is superb, and he won for me on Saturday. It was really great to see Phillips powering home on Valiante before he landed a superb victory on Red Alert.
“She quickened well and stayed on really strongly for her win. I am really proud of the job of my team. I take this opportunity to thank them.”
Lutchman, who was a very good rider in his days, received his licence to train in 2019 and has now landed 56 winners.
Lutchman, who is very professional in his undertakings, told Guardian Media that his success was team-oriented.
“I have a good working team and they are responsible for my success. My circle works for the best of the stable and as such, we get the best from the horses,” said Lutchman, who landed his first winner with Nabawi in 2019 and is looking forward to further success in his career.
