KINGSTON, Jamaica - The acclaimed richest race in the Caribbean (US$150,000) was just won by the American bred Casting Crowns.
The event run over nine furlongs saw Casting Crowns ridden by Qin Young came from off the pace to catch and beat Colonel’s Pride (Chen U) from the top of the straight to win convincingly in the end at the Royal St Lucia Turf Club.
Casting Crowns is trained by Deoner Visser and owned by well-known American outfit, Taylor Made Farms. The winning time was 1:50.91. Second went to Colonel’s Pride.
Run Bayou ridden by Rasheed Hughes and trained by Jamaica’s Andrew “Busha” Nunes was third. "Busha" Nunes now trains in Barbados.
Andrew’s brother and current leading trainer in Jamaica, Anthony Nunes had three runners in the Pitons Cup one of which, Rock Creek was ridden by Shane Ellis. Anthony finished fifth and sixth in the race with Oriental Crown and Rock Creek respectively.
In the other races on the five race card, Anthony's horses Shane Doan finished second with Nasty Critter and Queen of Pitons both earning third spots.
Earnings on all races are paid out to positions one to six.
This was the first official race day to be held at this race track.
