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Fifa World Cup Qualifiers 2014: Vurlon Mills strikes twice to put Guyana ahead of Bermuda (2-1)

Team Guyana: Golden Jaguars
Team Guyana: Golden Jaguars

Prolific local striker Vurlon Mills scored two goals to put Guyana’s Golden Jaguars ahead of Bermuda in their second match in Group B of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on Tuesday evening at the Guyana National Stadium Providence.

The first half of the game was evenly matched with both sides sharing possession of the ball. There were two chances created by the Jaguars but they were unable to convert, much to the disappointment to the fans. Shawn Beveney and Walter Moore both missed critical headers which struck the crossbar showing the lack in Bermuda’s wing defense.

It was the second half of the game that had all of the action however. Just a few minutes after the resumption of play Guyana captain Chris Nurse made a spirited run down the right wing and exploiting the weak defense, crossed the ball into Mills. He wasted no time in completing the opportunity by blasting the ball past the hapless Bermuda Keeper Fredrick Hall in the 50th minute from outside the penalty area. Boosted by the goal and fueled by the energy of the crowd the Jags went on the offensive testing their opponents’ resolve. The persistent probing at the Bermuda defensive line paid off in the 59th minute after a scramble in the Bermuda penalty area saw an excellent header by Walter Moore saved but mills was once again in the picture and scored once again off the rebound.

The visitors were however not going down without a fight as the captain Khano Smith scored a magnificent strike from outside the penalty box beating several defenders and keeper Ronson Williams in the process in the 90th minute. Guyana, though showing lapses in defense in the latter part of the game which undoubtedly resulted in the goal, managed to hold their resolve and hold on to the end.
Technical Director of the Golden Jaguars Jamaal Shabazz was pleased with the team’s performance in the last two games. He however expressed concerns that the foreign based players will be heading back to their respective clubs while the local players are at a disadvantage since no football is currently being played in Guyana. He said “the players have got to play matches to be fit.” According to Shabazz the ongoing disruption within local football administration only serves to reduce the level of football.

Acting President of the GFF Franklin Wilson said he echoed the sentiments of Shabazz but currently there is nothing that can be done until the matter is settled in the courts. Notwithstanding he is also pleased with the performance of the team. Guyana will face Bermuda and Barbados in their respective territories on October 7th and 11th respectively before taking on Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad and Tobago defeated Bermuda 1-0 and Barbados 2-0 and are currently at the top of the points standings.

By – Andrew Ross

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Fifa World Cup 2014 Qualifiers: Guyana’s Golden Jaguars won 2-0 against Barbados

Guyana Football Team Golden Jaguars
Guyana Football Team - Golden Jaguars

Guyana’s national football team got off to a flying start by winning their first World Cup qualifying game in Group B against Barbados 2-0 at the National Stadium Providence on Friday night. The win is the first step on the long road to the 2014 World Cup to be held in neighboring Brazil.

It was clear from the opening whistle that the Golden Jaguars were intent on putting on a show for the local crowd. The team attacked the Bajans relentlessly and the superior quickness of the Jags showed with several players being caught offside. The Jags have a combination of young and experienced international players within their ranks. It is one of those international players, Shawn “Bubblie” Beveney who currently plays in the Asian Pro League, who took advantage of the sluggish Barbados defense and put one in the back of the net in the 26th minute.

Goal attempt after Corner Kick was taken

All was not well for the local side however. With the resumption of the game in the second half the linesman keeping watch on the Barbados half of the field flagged the Jaguars several times for runs which appeared to be legal, much to the disapproval of the large crowd. The frustration even spilled on to the players when heated words were exchanged between two players from the opposing teams causing the game referee to intervene. The most disappointing call came after a shot to goal was saved by the Bajan goalie but JP Rodriguez took advantage of the rebound and sent a blistering shot past the stunned keeper only to be flagged offside. The Golden Jags also missed several scoring opportunities. This was an indictment on the local side which is touted to have skilled play makers but lacks effective finishers.

Goal Scorers: From Left Charles Pollard, Shawn Beveney
Goal Scorers: From Left Charles Pollard, Shawn Beveney

37 year old Charles “lily” Pollard, who was one of the players honored at the 2010-2011 Kashif and Shanghai Football tournament for his significant contribution to Guyanese football, showed why he is considered as one of the best. In the 76th minute with several Bajan defenders around Pollard struck a blistering shot past the keeper to put the Jags up 2-0, needless to say some fans were looking to see if the linesman had his flag up, this proved not to be the case.
After the game, Technical Advisor of the Golden Jaguars Jamaal Shabazz related that he was pleased with the team’s performance despite not being %100 fit. He also made a case for the inclusion of several international players into the squad. “When you have senior players like Charles Pollard at 37 and Trevon George at 17 on the same side it can only be good for Guyana’s football.” He said it is good to have young players see guys who have played football locally and have transitioned to the regional and international arena and that motivates them to train hard to develop their skills in hopes of one day achieving such goals and even higher. Shabazz added that though the team did not convert all scoring opportunities he is satisfied that plays were being created.

Guyana will face Bermuda in the second Group B match on Tuesday at the National Stadium Providence. Bermuda lost 1-0 to Trinidad and Tobago earlier in the day.

By – Andrew Ross

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Barnwell dominates as athletes win 2nd Celebrity Basketball game

Christopher Barnwell receiving MVP award and Trophy
Christopher Barnwell receiving MVP award and Trophy

West Indies cricketer Christopher Barnwell showed that he could perform as well on the court as on the field when he managed a double at the 2nd Annual Celebrity Basketball game. Barnwell participated as a point guard for the Athletes who played against the Entertainers who won the title last year.

The game was evenly matched up to halftime with Don Gialiani drilling some smooth jumpers and layups for the entertainers, while reporter Edison Jefford and Barnwell led the charge for the Athletes. Heading into halftime the scoreboard read 23-22 in favor of the Entertainers.

Team Athletes
Team Athletes

The Athletes however were not daunted and went on a 6-0 run when play resumed. After this point it was all over as Jefford and Barnwell dominated the offensive boards. Barnwell finished the game with 20 points and 10 rebounds and was named MVP.

There were highlights too as singer Lisa Punch and table tennis player Jody Ann Blake provided some comical moments when they attempted to dribble the ball. Fitness trainer Curtis McKenzie was certainly fit and fast but lacked coordination thus giving the large crowd added entertainment.

Trophies and Prizes

In the supporting game Youth Basketball Guyana led by Akeem ‘the sensational dream’ Khanai defeated Knights Basketball club the evening’s hosts 44-31. QUALFON got the better of Giftland in a low scoring 21-39 game and LAPARKAN edged Republic Bank 52-49 in the opening game.

Team Entertainers
Team Entertainers

A larger than normal crowd turned out to watch the game even with a Jamzone event being held on the same night. Given the excitement and support generated by the event basketball fans are looking forward to next year.
All proceeds will be donated to the Deaf Institute.

By – Andrew Ross

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Universal DVD Berbice Titans are Jamzone Masters’ Cup Champions

Universal DVD Berbice Titans
Jamzone Masters Cup Champions: Universal DVD Berbice Titans

The Guyana National Stadium, Providence came alive on Sunday August 14, 2011 as the Jamzone Masters’ Cup took place. The stands were filled to capacity (an estimated 15,000 persons) as the teams battled for a chance to make history and obtain a year’s worth of bragging rights. At 16:00 hrs local time the Hits and Jams Superstars’ opening batsmen made their way to the crease as the New Line Cavaliers assumed their fielding positions. Despite some sloppy batting work they managed to make a decent score, with major assistance from West Indies star Dwayne Bravo – who made 106 runs. That was the first century ever for this tournament and his name is now etched in the record books. The New Line Cavaliers started with a similar fire as Dwayne Smith hit the tournament’s longest six, launching it into the walkway behind the stands. Unfortunately, their attempts were futile against the bowling of the Superstars and they crumbled as the overs ran out.

Christopher Barnwel, Rawle Ferguson
From Left: Christopher Barnwell receives cheque from Hits and Jams CEO Rawle Ferguson

Whenever there was a delay in the match the music of Fusion Sound Company and dancing of the GT&T Cheerleaders definitely filled the void. The ladies’ performance was much better than Friday night’s efforts and the crowd showed their support time and time again. After a short musical segment, the Berbice Titans and the Georgetown Pitbulls made their way to centre field, as a young local group sang the first and last stanzas of the National Anthem. It was now action time! The Titans won the toss and decided to bat first, putting up a massive 151 runs. The Pitbulls could have restricted them just a bit, but their field work was mediocre at times. The Berbice team, on the other hand, showed no mercy in the field and with the ball; they were relentless, taking all catches, missing no opportunities to stop a racing ball and always making returns on target.

National Stadium
National Stadium

The crowd was further appeased by the presence of the Jamzone International Pageant delegates as they walked the field, interacted with the audience and spoke a little about themselves; they also gave some insight into what could be expected on August 17, 2011 at the National Cultural Centre. The Georgetown Pitbulls provided a meaningful fight, but eventually to no avail as the Titans bowled, caught and stumped the batsmen at every opportunity. The masses were divided in support for the two teams but toward the end of the finals it was clear who everyone was backing – the Berbice Titans. As the last ball of the Pitbulls’ innings was bowled the spectators jumped to their feet and roared as a Titan player caught a poor attempt at a boundary and threw the winning ball into the stands. There was some temporary chaos as patrons wrestled for the memento.

 

Dwayne Bravo
Man of the Series: Dwayne Bravo

The prize-giving ceremony was short and sweet as Sean Devers, the Jamzone Masters’ Cup PRO, gave a brief introduction and then allowed GT&T’s CEO Yog Mahadeo to deliver a speech. Mr. Mahadeo expressed his content with the tournament and said that he was pleased to be a corporate sponsor along with the government of Guyana. After the telecommunications chief said his part, Hits and Jams’ CEO Rawle Ferguson showed his gratitude by thanking all supporters, sponsors and players that helped to make the cricket event a major success. As it was award time, Dwayne Bravo copped the Man of the Series prize for his fascinating 106 runs. The Hits and Jams Superstars took the third place trophy and some other prizes; the Georgetown Pitbulls held their second place trophy and some cash and prizes, while the reigning champions Berbice Titans carried their first place trophy and G$2,000,000 cheque triumphantly around the Providence Stadium. Local leg – spinning superstar Devendra Bishoo – popped a bottle of champagne to declare the beginning of the celebrations, while the DJ informed all patrons that the after party would be poolside at the nearby Princess Hotel.

The Guyanalive.com team headed across to the luxury hotel and witnessed local and international players mingling with fans and supporters, both young and old. We were proud to be a Guyanese and prouder to witness local history. The music kept the party jumping until the wee hours of the morning, and even though most of us had to be at our desks in just a few hours we were elated at every level. Thank you Hits and Jams and thank you Guyana, we give the event a 10 out of a possible 10 – a piece of history in itself!

View pictures from this event at –> GuyanaLive.com Gallery

By – Patrice Wishart

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Jamzone Masters Cup Semi-Finals

Universal DVD Berbice Titans
Universal DVD Berbice Titans

It was excitement and high levels of anticipation at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, when the Jamzone Masters’ Cup Semi-finals began on Friday August 12, 2011. The Georgetown Pitbulls squared off with the New Line Cavaliers in the first match, where the Pitbulls fought their way to a win by eight wickets with the help of international cricket stars like Sulieman Benn and Jerome Taylor. The second match was more nail biting, when the Berbice Titans narrowly escaped the potential defeating claws of the Hits and Jams Superstars. The latter team included mega stars like Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo but their skill was evidently no match for talented locals, Royston Crandon and Devendra Bishoo.

Gizmos and Gadgets Gerogetown Pitbulls
Gizmos and Gadgets Gerogetown Pitbulls

The stadium was filled almost to capacity when the second match was in progress and large groups of supporters for both teams could be heard from quite some distance away. There were GT&T Cheerleaders who entertained us throughout the tournament, but they seemed extremely out of sync at times. Nevertheless, the atmosphere was very competitive and jubilant.

 

GTT Cheerleaders
GTT Cheerleaders

The finals of the Jamzone Masters’ Cup are expected to be played on August 14, 2011 with two stimulating matches. The Georgetown Pitbulls and Berbice Titans will face each other for the big victory and spoils that accompany that victory, while the New Line Cavaliers will play against the Hits and Jams Superstars for third place. It is not to be missed!

 

View pictures from this event at –> GuyanaLive.com Gallery
By – Patrice Wishart

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Ramnaresh Sarwan confirms participation in Knights Basketball Celebrity Game

Ramnaresh Sarwan
Former West Indies Captian - Ramnaresh Sarwan

Former West Indies captain Ramnaresh Sarwan has indicated his willingness and enthusiasm to compete in the Second Annual Knights Basketball Club Celebrity Basketball Game which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 20th 2011 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The brilliant right-handed batsman will be making his debut in the event this year, which featured fellow national athletes and entertainers such as Stephen Vieira, Howard Lowe, Ronson Williams, Chow Pow and Don Gialiani last year.
“Well it means a lot to me, I missed it last year but I’m really excited about competing this year… I think should be very interesting, funny and entertaining” Sarwan said.

The accomplished West Indian batsman, who has 15 test centuries and 31 half centuries, said that although he expects the event to be mostly exciting and entertaining, he does not underestimate the sport and how demanding it could be.
“Hopefully I’ll be fit enough [for the game],” Sarwan said.
The 31-year-old middle order batsman did not disclose much about his basketball background, since he wanted his supporters to attend the event to judge for themselves. He did, however, modestly state, “I played a bit of street ball, or yard basketball if you want to say that.”

Sarwan commended organiser of the event Kester Gomes, who is the president of Knights basketball club, saying that it is a very impacting event considering Gomes’ intention and drive.
“Anything to deal with supporting a charity or a cause like this is always good to be involved with and it’s an honour for me to be a part of this…” Sarwan added.

Sarwan and the other celebrities will be playing for The Support Group for Deaf Persons, which has been earmarked as the charity for this year’s event. Last year, proceeds for the game were donated to Joshua’s House. According to Gomes, The Support Group for Deaf Persons was chosen this year because it is an organisation that is often overlooked or forgotten.
Some of the other celebrities that played in last year’s event were national rugby captain Claudius Butts and coach Theodore Henry; six-time Sportswoman of the Year, Nicolette Fernandes; national cricketers Christopher Barnwell, Stephen Jacobs and Leon Johnson. Organisers promised some fresh faces at the event this year, although a few of the players from last year will compete once again.

By – Kester Gomes

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Jamzone Master’s Cup 2011

Ramnaresh Sarwan
Ramnaresh Sarwan - source (tvchaska.net)

Jamzone Master Cup launching Jamzone Master’s Cup officially launched. POPULAR entertainment organizers Hits and Jams Entertainment has added a new flair to this year’s Jamzone summer break festival the 11th of its kind, when they launched their Hits and Jams Master’s Cup Twenty20 Festival at the Ministry of Sports, Youth and Culture Wednesday afternoon. MCYS’ Minister Dr Frank Anthony, Permanent Secretary Alfred King, Jamzone Master’s Cup Public Relation Officer (PRO) Sean Devers, Hits and Jams Entertainment’s Rawle Ferguson, popular designer Trevor Rose and members from the competing teams were present at the launching of the two day festival which will be held on 12 and 14 August at the Guyana National Stadium. In his brief remarks, Dr. Anthony said the Government was pleased to be associated with Jamzone because of the high quality of Entertainment they provided and added that it was a good initiative to include T20 cricket as they sought another market using sports. “The excitement of T20 cricket is well known and the names involved in the Master’s Cup should add to the value to this year’s Jamzone activities and help to increase the number of people coming here for the events as the whole county benefits through sports tourism,” Dr Anthony said. He challenged Hits and Jams Entertainment not to stop at cricket but to incorporate more sports in their future events. “You could include other shot sports and maybe have beach volleyball during the segments of events at the Splashmin’s Resort. Our Ministry is working with the Hits and Jams team to ensure a successful cricket tournament and they have our full support” said Dr. Anthony.

Chris Gayle - source (ecricketlivestream.blogspot.com)

Devers informed that some of the biggest names in Regional T20 cricket will collide in what is anticipated to be a pulsating inaugural Jamzone Master Cup T20 cricket competition. “A capacity crowd of over 15,000 is expected on both days of action which will see matches commencing at 1700hrs and 2100hrs respectively while gates will be opened from 1500hrs each day. The winner of the grand final on Sunday 14 August will take home US$10,000 (G$2 Million), while over US15,000 ($3 million) in prize money will be up for grabs,” Devers said. Devers informed that since Hits and Jams Entertainment always strive to have the best talent and expertise, Guyana’s top Umpire Nigel Duguid has already been identified to stand in the final. Leading local umpires Colin Alfred, Shannon Crawford, Davteerth Anandjit and Eddie Nicholas have also been shortlisted to officiate in the mega event which will have players from Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Barbados rubbing shoulders with their Guyanese counterparts. Ferguson said cricket was included to create a family event and attract even more people to this year’s activities and said that Chris Gayle, who will be representing the Jamzone Super Stars team, has already sent a warning to the bowlers in the competition. “We have received great assistance from the Government as we continue to work hard to provide quality entertainment, promote tourism and a positive image of Guyana to the rest of the world,” Ferguson added.

Kieron Pollard
Kieron Pollard - source (connect.in.com)

Defending Guyana T20 champions Universal DVD Club Berbice Titans, Georgetown Pitbulls, New Line Cavaliers and the Hits and Jams Super Stars lineup will do battle for the whopping first prize that is up for grabs in the event. Each team can use up to four guest players and the pugnacious Gayle along with fellow Jamaicans Danza Hyatt and Andre Russell and T&T’s Dwayne Bravo are the overseas players in the Hits and Jams Super Stars side which will be led by former national T20 wicketkeeper Tyrell Tull with Leon Johnson as his deputy. T&T’s T20 star batsman Keiron Pollard, Jamaican fast bowlers Jerome Taylor and Krishmar Santokie along with T&T’s Navin Stuart are in the Georgetown side which will be led by former West Indies skipper Ramnaresh Sarwan who will have Christopher Barnwell as his deputy.

 

Dwayne Bravo
Dwayne Bravo - source (apunkadesi.blogspot.com)

Like they did last year, Universal DVD Club Berbice Titans will be banking on their home grown talent which includes West Indies spinner Devendra Bishoo and discarded test players Narsingh Deonarine and Sewnarine Chattergoon along with Regional T20 sensation Jonathon Foo. The New Line Cavaliers unit, which was once a formidable foe in local; T20 cricket, will include former West Indies leg-spinner Mahendra Nagamootoo and the Barbados pair of Fidel Edwards and Dwayne Smith along with T&T players Denesh Ramdin and Lendl Simmons. Tickets for the mega event cost $1,000 for the first night and $1,500 for the second night and should go on sale by weekend, while the crowd on hand will have some form of entertainment during the intervals of all matches.Live radio and television coverage should be provided by the National Communications Network and Devers explained that Regional Radio Broadcasters Line and Length and Regional TV Channel Sportsmax have signaled their interest in providing coverage of the matches.

By – Sean Devers

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PAHF Pan American Challenge: Hockey ladies open with 2-1 victory over Paraguay in PAHF Challenge

Team Guyana
Team Guyana

A diving finish by right wing Amanda Garnett sent the Guyana ladies into wild celebration as the goal signaled their first lead in a game that saw them drop behind from the outset.  The Guyanese ladies played the second match of the opening day as the PAHF Challenge began on July 31st in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  Despite a good start, Guyana conceded in just the third minute to Maria Servian Giosa of Paraguay when Guyanese left back, Marzana Fiedtkou, lost her footing and the ball deep in the Guyana half.  Paraguay made good on their counter-attack and were up by one goal in just the third minute of the match.  Guyana controlled most of the possession for the rest of the half and forced the game into the Paraguayan half but a number of corners and run-of-play chances were squandered as the Guyanese, in their golden Dixie Lee gear, tried to settle their nerves and the pressure of being down.

The second half would see an improved performance by the Guyanese who earned their 7th penalty corner of the match and first of the second half in the 61st minute.  Striker Kerensa Fernandes, who was unfortunately on the substitutes’ bench during the penalty corners of the first half, blasted home a rocket of a shot past the Paraguayan goalkeeper to draw her team even.  Fernandes would have a golden opportunity to put her side ahead when she intercepted an errant Paraguayan pass in defense but found the sliding goalkeeper with her hurried shot.

Gabriella Xavier, who had been enjoying a productive game in midfield received the ball from the right and made a long through pass to the Fernandes high on the left wing.  Fernandes, noticing the Paraguayan defenders being caught out, threaded her pass across the face of goal to find the sliding right wing Amanda Garnett for the winner in the 60th minute.  Although Paraguay would threaten through a few long counterattacking runs, the Guyanese looked firmly in control of the match and maintained their lead for the rest of time.

Earlier in the day, hosts Brazil made light work of Bermuda with a 3-0 victory after gaining a 1 goals lead at the very end of the first half.  Favourites, Uruguay, take the pitch for the first time on Monday August 1st against Bermuda at 10:00 while Guyana faces Brazil at 12:00 in the following match.

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Hikers Hockey: Hikers Juniors Excel in Trinidad Leagues

Trevon Younge, Jamarj Assanah
From Left: Trevon Younge, Jamarj Assanah

Hikers Hockey Club junior players Jamarj Assanah and Travon Younge have been creating quite a stir in Trinidad over the past two weeks, where they have been competing for the Queen’s Park Hockey Team in under 19 and Trinity leagues. In their first under 19 match against Petrotrin, Queen’s Park playing without a goal keeper and two players short, went down 4-8. However Assanah announced his arrival in that game by scoring a hat trick for his adopted team in their loosing effort. Their second match took place in the Trinity league where Assanah was once again on the scoring sheet along with fellow Guyanese Jerazeno Bell, as the pair scored their team’s only goals in their 2-0 defeat of Notre Dame. On Wednesday evening Queen’s Park overwhelmed Fatima 8-1 in the Trinity league, with Bell, Assanah and Younge all contributing one goal each.

From all accounts the young pair have been performing exceedingly well, with Younge producing solid performances in his mostly defensive roles, while Assanah has been reeking havoc on opposing defenses with his silky smooth stick work from his attacking midfield possitions. The two players are expected play several other matches for Queen’s Park before returning to Guyana on August 8th.

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Digicel Horse Racing Classic: “King Maker” rules on race day!

From Right - Chris Jagdeo receives trophy and cheque from Digicel Representative

It was a day full of excitement at the Norman Singh Memorial Turf Club on Sunday July 24th as horse racing fans from across the country assembled to witness the first ever Digicel Horse Racing Classic.

Minister of Labour and avid horse racing fan Manzoor Nadir opened the day’s festivities by applauding Digicel for pulling off the most lucrative sponsorship by a corporate entity locally. In excess of $10M in stakes was made available by the company.

Hundreds of race fans turned out to witness the 10 race meet and excitement could be felt from the time one walked into the breezy venue on the bright sunny afternoon.

The feature race of the meet was undoubtedly the most electrifying of all for the packed turf club. The total purse was valued $2.2M with the winner galloping away with $1.2M in prize money.

The race was 1600 meters long and from the time the horses left the stall the crowd erupted in excitement. As they navigated the first turn Champtress’ considered a favorite in betting circles, broke free from the crowd and seemed to be the clear winner. But as the horses approached the 4th turn and into the straightaway King Maker made a move from the crowd to challenge the leader.

King Maker takes top honors ahead of Champtress (Adrian Narine Photo)

With just 50 meters to the finish line King Maker proved her worth and edged out Champtress just in front the grand stand to provide a perfect photo finish. Though many bettors were visibly upset by the result, Tribian Jagdeo; trainer and son of stable owner Chris Jagdeo, was jubilant at the victory. Jagdeo said “I’m very happy about everything. I was confident of a win this afternoon because he was running pretty good with the heavier horses earlier and today 15lbs made the difference.”
King Maker performed well in Trinidad & Tobago by winning 3 impressive races but Sunday’s win was the first on home soil, as such the trainer requested the song “Plane land” by Richie Spice as a fitting tribute.

According to one of the race officials the turnout at the turf club on Sunday was the largest seen in recent memory. If all goes well Digicel will be hoping to make the horse race meeting an annual event.

By – Andrew Ross