Sir Von back in top form

Orville Clarke, Sunday Gleaner Writer

The lightly raced American colt SIR VON made a triumphant return to Caymanas Park yesterday, thanks to an easy victory in the 3-y-o overnight allowance race for the George HoSang Trophy over the straight-five course.

Racing for the first time since October and installed a 4-5 favourite in a field of 11, SIR VON moved away from the leaders DANCE SO SWEET (4-1) and SUPER DAVE (7-5) early in the last furlong to beat the American filly DANCE SO SWEET by three lengths, covering the distance in the smart time of 58.3 despite running into a strong head wind.

He was ridden by champion jockey Omar Walker for champion trainer Wayne DaCosta and owner Von White.

DaCosta pleased

Given the problems which forced him on the sidelines at the back-end of last season, DaCosta was particularly pleased with the performance.

"He developed a problem with his right hock," disclosed the 10-time champion trainer.

"It took him over two months to recover and another three months to prepare him. He worked brilliantly in preparation for the race and I was quietly confident that he would return on a winning note."

The Jockeys' Guild Day nine-race programme also featured the annual renewal of the Jockeys' Guild of Jamaica Trophy race over 1400 metres, which resulted in a narrow win for 6-1 chance RUN CHARM RUN (Paul Francis up), as well as the Al Gopie Memorial Cup (maidens) over the straight. WHITE STAR, running at odds of 3-1 with Walker riding for trainer Paul 'Sleeper' Charlton, won by a short head from the 2-1 favourite SPLITTING IMAGE.

The stewards of the meeting struck in the closing race for the Winston Griffiths O.D. Trophy, disqualifying first past the post, the 6-5 favourite HEY TRAIN, and awarding first place to 9-5 second favourite MOJITA JAM (Sergeon up) with whom he had interfered a furlong out.

The card also featured a one-furlong sprint for jockeys, sponsored by Bullhead Mountain Spring Water to the tune of $60,000. It was won in fine style by Jockeys' Guild president Du'von Litchmore, while a relay team comprising jockey Shane Ellis on the anchor leg, jockeys' agent Christopher Thompson and valet Dwayne Paige won the other two-legged race on the card.

Midweek racing takes a break on Wednesday to pave the way for the Guineas classics next Saturday.