Three racing professionals—trainers Anthony Dixon and Howard McLeod, and jockey Rayon Blake—celebrated their first wins of the 2025 season during the two-day meet at Caymanas Park on July 12–13.
Anthony Dixon broke his seasonal duck when Nala’s Bushman, a ten-year-old bay gelding, stormed home in the first race on Saturday. Ridden by Rotajmar Mair and sporting blinkers, the seasoned campaigner proved age is just a number, securing his ninth career win from 88 starts. The victory marked Dixon’s ninth entry of the season, and his first trip to the winners’ enclosure in 2025.
Long-standing trainer Howard McLeod also joined the winners’ list, saddling Matuso to victory in the ninth race. With Romario Spencer aboard, Matuso seized the lead and widened the gap after the four-furlong marker in the seven-furlong contest. The win was McLeod’s first of the season from just four starts.
Spencer, a three-kilogramme claiming apprentice, had a standout day, notching two wins—first aboard Mr Senator in the third race, and later with Matuso.
Jockey Rayon Blake, a seldom-used rider in recent seasons, earned his first win of 2025 under dramatic circumstances. After finishing second aboard his mount Lord Espo — 1¾ lengths behind Bobbytwobad—the jockey aboard fifth-placed Sweet Bern, Nicardo Carr lodged an objection.
Following a stewards’ inquiry, Bobbytwobad was disqualified and demoted to fifth behind Sweet Bern, handing Blake the victory and a long-awaited return to the winners’ circle.
Lord Espo is trained by Donavan Clarke.
