KINGSTON, Jamaica - Leading trainer Anthony Nunes produced his Superstakes runner-up, Toona Ciliata, in imperious condition for the Nigel B Nunes Memorial Cup and walked away with his ninth hold on the prestigious emblem of his father’s legacy on Wednesday, November 27, 2019, at Caymanas Park.
In honouring his father, Anthony Nunes continued to strengthen his hold on this year’s championship race by moving away from Wayne DaCosta.
Toona Ciliata, ridden by Dane Nelson, dominated the event from the off to win the 1,820 metres event by 4 ¾ lengths in a time of 1:53.3, which is the fastest time recorded over the distance all season.
Both trainers provided the bulk of the eight-horse field with Nunes fielding four starters and DaCosta two to place a stranglehold on the event.
The American-bred Summer Sun (Raddesh Roman), a three-year-old like Toona Ciliata trained by DaCosta and a winner over the distance three times before finished second with Hover Craft ridden by Oniel Mullings occupying the third slot.
Winning the Nigel B Nunes Memorial Cup has always been a special moment for Anthony.
“As you are aware, this race is important to my family and me, as dad meant so much to us. He was taken away from us when I was 15 years old and I still think of him practically every day of my life because I am in the same profession.
“I feel as though it is a Classic race for me and I get just as nervous about it even though I had a strong hand out there, but I still get nervous about it because I think it honours my father,” Nunes said.
