Design Star triumphs in Trainers' feature

Orville Clarke, Sunday Gleaner Writer

In-form trainer Patrick 'Wacky' Lynch followed up his midweek double at Caymanas Park by saddling 10-1 chance DESIGN STAR to win the annual renewal of the Jamaica Racehorse Trainers' Association Trophy over 1200 metres, confined to non-winners of two three-year-olds.

The nine-race programme was put on to mark the Jamaica Racehorse Trainers' Association raceday, and in keeping with this annual meet, four trainers (all active) were honoured for their contribution to the sport.

They are Gary Subratie, Fitzroy Glispie, Victor Williams and Randolph Scott, the current secretary of the association. In addition, each winning trainer on the nine-race programme was presented with a gift basket donated by Grace Foods, as well as a $5,000 cheque and three bags of Hi-Pro Feeds.

The meet was a prelude to the Super Weekend of Racing which commences with a race meet on Friday, November 11, continuing on the following day with the big Superstakes meet and culminating on Sunday, November 13 with the TOBA Yearling Sale in the official car park at Caymanas Park.

In the JRTA Trophy feature, DESIGN STAR, with Paul 'Country' Francis aboard, was held up in mid-field passing the half mile as the 26-1 shot OVERPRICED led from SABINA (7-2) and the 1-4 favourite MERU, before storming through leaving the furlong pole to win by 2¹/² lengths from the late-closing REMEMBER ME (6-1) in a field of 12. MERU was third.

Bred by Joseph and Shirley McKessy, DESIGN STAR, who is by Vanadium out of the Smokehouse Sam mare Lady Sam, was notching his second win from 10 career starts. He is owned by Michael T. Gayle who recalled that the horse had not enjoyed the best of luck in his races, but is good on his day.

shared honours

"He was refitted with the blinkers for this race and experienced better luck in running this time," said Gayle. "Combined with a copybook ride from Francis, Design Star delivered today and we are happy," he added.

Champion jockey contenders Dick Cardenas (90 wins) and Shane Ellis (87) rode one winner each on the nine-race programme, as in-form Aaron Chatrie (Stamp Of Authority, Run For The Money) and claiming apprentice Robert Halledeen (La's Dancer, Nasatol at 7-1) shared the honours with two winners apiece.

NASATOL, who returned a positive test after winning on July 9 and was disqualified by the Racing Commission and his groom fined $200,000, restored his win record to 36 - an all-time record.