KINGSTON, Jamaica - VICTORY by filly Atomica in the 102nd running of the $7.5-million Jamaica Derby Classic on Saturday, August 6, 2022 made a many people in and out of the sport of horse racing happy but none more so than Karl Samuda, breeder of the talented filly.
Bred by Nuclear Wayne out of the Reparations mare Honkeytonkville, Atomica sped to a dominating 9¼-length win in the 12-furlong (2,400m) Blue Riband event, the final jewel in the Triple Crown series of races. Atomica, who conquered the Jamaica 1000 Guineas back in June, won in a time of 2:35.2 backed by splits of 24.2 x 49.0 x 1:16.3 x 1:41.2. Atomica is owned by Oakridge Farms, trained by Gary Subratie, and was ridden by Dane Dawkins.
Going around the clubhouse turn, Atomica emerged as the lone leader and opened opened up on the field down the backstretch. Blue Vinyl got closer going into the half-mile turn but once Dawkins loosened his hold on the reins Atomica turned the prestigious Classic into a romp. Brinks finished second and Blue Vinyl third.
Samuda, the current minister of labour and social security, said he was over the moon after winning the Jamaica Derby for the first time in his long career in the racing industry.
“I couldn’t be in better shape if you paid me; I am feeling so good [that] it is unbelievable. The beautiful part about this whole development is the owner of the horse, Don Wehby. You can’t succeed unless you have the combination of a good trainer, a good owner, a good horse [that is] well-trained, and an excellent jockey.
“All I do is produce the animal and I leave it to them — and they have done a fantastic job and produce the champion. The plan came together perfectly and I can tell you better: There are few things in my life that can compare with the joy that I am feeling right now. I feel so good that I can’t describe it. I feel so good!” the veteran politician said.
Samuda said what made the Jamaica Derby more special to him was the fact that he achieved that success on Jamaica’s 60th Independence Day.
“It is great to be alive in Jamaica and to have it [Jamaica Derby victory] on Independence Day. Good God man! What more can you ask for?” he ended.
