KINGSTON, Jamaica - Trainer Dalton Sirjue saddled his first winner in 2023, after his charge Green Gold Rush easily won a three-year-old and upwards Optional Claiming ($250,000-$200,000) spread that also included native-bred six-year-olds and upwards (non-winners of three) and imported six-year-olds and upwards (non-winners of two) at 7 furlongs (1,400m).
With champion jockey Dane Dawkins in the saddle Green Gold Rush disputed the early lead with Willodeen (Sadiki Blake) down the backstretch before settling passing the 5-furlong (1000m) marker. Willodeen continued to lead the runners in the half-mile turn until Dawkins asked his mount to go, at which point Green Gold Rush surged to the front approaching the distance and brought the field into the lane at a merry clip.
Green Gold Rush went about his business on a canter to the winning post. The six-year-old bay gelding won by 6 lengths ahead of Doctor Grey (Tevin Foster) and Whatever (Roger Hewitt). The final time for the race was 1:31.4 (25.0 x 50.0 x 1:16.3).
