KINGSTON, Jamaica - Nine-year-old JamalJames showcased his racing prowess with a commanding second victory in just his third outing of the current season, clinching the win on Saturday, March 23, 2024.
Competing in the Optional Claiming ($250,000 - $200,000) event for three-year-olds and upwards, which also featured categories for six-year-olds and older (non-winners of three) and native-bred five-year-olds (maidens) over a 5 ½ furlong course, JamalJames made a winning performance.
Under the guidance of trainer Errol Subratie and leading jockey Tevin Foster, JamalJames initially settled in the middle of the pack as the race's early speedsters set a blistering pace. The front runners, Absolute Blue (Daniel Thompson), Just An Illusion (Raddesh Roman), and Dancinginhebreeze (Marshall Porter), led the charge into the half-mile turn.
As the race unfolded, JamalJames began to make his move, navigating through the field to position himself closer to the leaders as the final stretch approached. In a decisive moment, Foster urged JamalJames into a powerful surge, and the nine-year-old charged ahead, overtaking his competitors in the final moments to secure a 5 ¼ length triumph.
Chiney Music (Samantha Fletcher) took second place, followed by Nuttin But Trouble (Rudolph Paige) in third. The race concluded with a final time of 1:12.2, split times being 23.4 for the quarter and 49.4 for the half-mile, marking another notable achievement for JamalJames.
