Allen ‘Bongo John’ Still Has It – Will He Ride In The Derby?

KINGSTON, Jamaica - Jockey Allen Maragh, who rode Miracle Man to victory in the 2005 Jamaica Derby Classic, says he is available to ride in the Blue Riband race next month.

Maragh, with close to 290-lifetime winners at Caymanas Park, made his intention known after he guided the Richard Azan-trained Burlap to victory in a native-bred three-year-olds (non-winners of two) and imported three-year-olds and upwards (maiden) travelling five furlongs round on Saturday, July 22, 2023.

“It was a good win and a good effort from the horse [Burlap]. I will probably be here until after the Jamaica Derby Classic race; I am here hoping to get a ride in this race and probably I will ride Burlap,” Maragh said.

It wasn’t the best of starts for Burlap as the three-year-old bay colt raced among the backmarkers going into the half-mile turn. Running Glory (Reyan Lewis) led Joy Is Golden (Jordan Barrett) and Smooth Aviator (Anthony Allen) into the turn.

Approaching the distance, Burlap was seen making headway but was still somewhat off the leaders as Joy Is Golden took over entering the lane ahead of Running Glory and City Hawk (Tevin Foster) running on the inside rails.

Inside the final furlong, Maragh produced Burlap for his effort and the Casual Trick offspring ran on strongly, powering his way to a length’s win at the wire.

Burlap won ahead of Joy Is Golden and California Gold (Ramon Nepare) in a time of 1:03.0 (23.4 x 48.0).

“It feels good winning my first race for the season. I mean, it is not plenty of rides — because I am not always here that much — but nonetheless, I am happy with the win.“

I had only four rides before this, and they weren’t fancied runners, and when I got this ride and looked at the race, I was very confident that the horse would win,” Maragh said.