'Fanna' Raise A Ruckus with thrilling finish

Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer

Leading all-time jockey, Winston 'Fanna' Griffiths, revived memories of his heyday in the saddle at Caymanas Park yesterday, when he brought RAISE A RUCKUS (5-1) with a devastating late run to catch 1-2 favourite CASSANOVA BOY on the wire, in the Owen Silvera Memorial Cup feature over 1600 metres.

In a thrilling head-bobbing finish, the American 4-y-o colt from the stables of 14-time champion Philip Feanny won by a short head from CASSANOVA BOY under leading jockey Shane Ellis, with another neck to THE GUV (9-2) in

third with Aaron Chartie aboard.

It was the 55-1 outsider CLASSIC BEAU who led at a fast clip from BELOW THE WAIST (30-1), with CASSANOVA BOY racing prominently in third approaching the half-mile and RAISE A RUCKUS outpaced a bit in fifth.

Last-minute denial

CASSANOVA BOY, who assumed the lead from CLASSIC BEAU approaching the 600-metre pole, held both MIKENIFICENT (2-1) and THE GUV at bay leaving the furlong pole, only to be denied in the last stride.

Owned by the Houston Stables, RAISE A RUCKUS was the first of two winners for Feanny on the card.

The 'Hall of Fame' trainer came back in the very next race, the closing Alex's Imports 'Dig Out' Handicap over the straight for three-year-olds, to win with 6-1 chance MY HEARTBEAT with Chatrie aboard.