Sept. 8, 2008 — Velma Dunbars grey and roan gelding, Carse, smashed a five-horse field by 3-1/2 lengths in TRAXCOs 1-1/16-mile "Bwoy Ah Bwoy, Big Man Ah Big Man Classic" on Sunday, showing who's now the big man of thoroughbred racing in the Virgin Islands.
Carses victory over the best racehorses from across the British and U.S. Virgin Islands set off loud celebration in the grandstand and around the grounds by Crucian fans longing for a champion.
Exclaimed one excited race fan, "Man, this is the best I have felt on a race day in a long time!" Some fans said that they have not been to the races in years, but wanted to be there on Sunday because they heard that St. Croix now has a horse that could beat anything in the Virgin Islands.
The local horses victory climaxed what was already a very festive atmosphere at the Randall "Doc" James racetrack on Sunday. More picnic tents than usual lined the fence that parallels the home stretch, with domino tables and lots of food. It was obvious that the large crowed came out to witness something special on Sunday — and Carse did not disappoint.
There were some anxious moments early, as Carse, ridden by local jockey Elmo "Mahal" Barnes, reared when the starting gate opened and missed the break badly. But he showed his early speed to catch up to the group and was able to be in front by a head when they passed the grandstand for the first time.
He was followed closely by Kentucky Kris and jockey Juan Santiago, Gallego with Esail DeJesus in the irons, Idol Worship with Benjamin Lopez aboard and Captain Slew from Tortola ridden by Junior Inirio. Carse extended his lead to a length around the clubhouse turn and took the field into the back stretch with an expanding lead.
His lead was two and a half lengths over Idol Worship midway down the backstretch. Kentucky Kris was a neck behind Idol Worship followed by Gallego with Captain Slew bringing up the rear some seven lengths behind Carse. As the horses approached the three-eight poles Captain Slew began his run and was closing with every stride on the front runners. He quickly collared Idol Worship, Kentucky Kris and Gallego, but to the excitement of the crowd there was no gaining on Carse who exploded around the turn and actually pulled away from Captain Slew.
Carse crossed the finish line to a standing ovation, taking home the lion's share of the $12,500 purse. Captain Slew was followed across the line by Kentucky Kris, Idol Worship and Gallego.
"We knew we had this all the way — there was no worries," said Nefertiti OBrien Dunbar's daughter. "People are just happy that he won, they were excited and congratulating me on my way to the winners circle."
In the days other classic and eighth race on the card, the 1/1-16 miles "Cruzan Rum Native Classic," Delroy Thomas chestnut mare Guavaberry Star wired the field but had to withstand a late charge from King David to take the first leg of the native bred Triple Crown by a nose at the wire.
"We had to back off of her preparation for this race because she had hurt her leg in the barn so she may not have been as fit as we wanted her to be," said Thomas. "But a win by any margin is a win and we will take it. With a little more training under her, she should be better in the next race at Thanksgiving."
Guavaberry Star with Christian Soto in the irons appeared to have withstood a challenge from Fantastic Four and looked primed to cruise across the finish line, but a roar went up from the crowd when King David with Benjamin Lopez aboard closed with a rush and almost pulled off what would have been a monumental upset victory.
Fantastic Four with jockey Miguel Sanchez held on for third with Fightforyourrights and jockey Marlon Edwin a distant fourth.
The rest of the days results are as follows:
Race 1: 7 ½ F Class I-5&I-6, Jockey
Time: 1:33.4
1. Halos Horne, Junior Inirio
2. Beautiful Move, Alberto ojeda
3. Rio Cauto, Marlon Edwin
Race 2: 7 F Class N-CB
Time: 1:37.2
1. High Times, Christian Soto III
2. Fifty Cents, Junior Inirio
3. Emerald Princess, Miguel Sanchez
Race 3: 7 ½ F Class I-5
Time: 1:33.4
1. Russian Way, Alphonso Claudio
2. My Dream Team, Elmo Barnes
3. Guiltless, Jesus Guadelupe
Race 4: 1 M F & M
Time: 1:40.2
1. Eltish Mota, Benjamin Lopez
2. Look up Look up, Jesus Guadelupe
3. Shes Got the Helm, Christian Soto
Race 5: 7 F Classes N-5 & N-6
Time: 1:31.1
1. Prince Crystal, Elmo Barnes
2. Fantasia, Miguel Sanchez
3. Emerald Star, Benjamin Lopez
Race 6: 7 1/2 F Classes I-2 & I-3
Time: 1:33.3
1. Prospect Way, Juan Santiago
2. Car Guy, Angel Viera
3. Big Thundar Reflec, Christian Soto
Race 7: 1 M Classes I-1 & I-2
Time: 1:38.2
1. Green Sand, Angel Viera
2. Blackjack Bob, Junior Inirio
3. Formally Cat, Christian Soto
Race 10: 1/1-8 M Classes I-1 & I-2
Time: 1:52.3
1. Overpayment, Gary Richards
2. El Rollo, Junior Inirio
3. Mi Jesuse, Elmo Barnes