CHARLESTOWN, Nevis, August 4, 2010 - It was the final race of the day at the Culturama races 2010. There was much anticipation at the Indian Castle race track as the undefeated OBAMA, who had run from June last year and won every single race in which it had participated, was coming up against Brule River of the MS Stables, ridden by the experienced Jason Liburd.
The crowd had increased tremendously as the afternoon wore on and now the stands were filled and the nearby fences were literally lined with people anxious to see the outcome of this the climaxing race of the day.
Even the owners were not their usual cool self. Mr. Arthur Sharpe was last seen pacing in the stables; a brave Roosevelt ‘Felt’ Daniel was conspicuous in the circle area, nervously conversing with the chief Steward, George Morris. The Dore brothers of the Arc Stables tried to look cool but they knew that it was going to be a big test for Obama.
After the usual nervous preliminaries from horses and Jockeys, the horses then went into a merry canter and the red flag went down and ever so slowly the white flag followed suit. The race was well and truly on.
As they took the first bend, ‘Felt’ Daniel was smiling, his horse Dominquero was in front with a definite lead. This lead continued around the second turn and along the back stretch. Dominquero even maintained the lead up that difficult hill just prior to the home stretch, but for those watching closely it would have been noticed that OBAMA had taken the hill exceptionally well and had closed the gap markedly.
Down the home stretch—there were shouts of ‘Obama, Obama’ as the champion horse ran alongside Dominquero skilfully manoeuvred by Colin Ross and seconds before passing the finish line, he just nosed ahead—as close a finish as you can get, and what a way to climax a very exciting meet.
Prior to that thrilling race, there were three other interesting races. The summarized results are as follows:
Race one:
1st - Sheik Sung ridden by Brem Liburd
2nd Rosman - 3rd High Spirit
Race two:
1st - Gottogetta Rhythm ridden by Brem Liburd
2nd - She Devil
3rd - Cover Girl
Race three:
1st - Full Breed ridden by Colin Ross
2nd - Fire Storm
3rd - El Avion
Race Four:
1st - Obama ridden by Colin Ross
2nd - Dominquero
3rd - Brule River
4th - Quamba
The meet had additional significance as star Jockey Jason Liburd made a rare appearance after some five years away from the Indian Castle race track. Jason is now resident in St.Kitts and is a major feature at the Beaumont Park Meets on that island.
All in all, the meet was very well coordinated; there were no incidents of concern and the fun-loving crowd was highly entertained.
