KINGSTON, Jamaica – Essential Quality, a three-year-old chestnut filly by Sensational Slam out of Texas Missy, secured a stunning victory in the 9 ½ furlong Winston Griffiths Classic on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at Caymanas Park.
The race involved three-year-olds who had not been successful in any of the five age group Classic races during a single racing year. The five three-year-old Classic races are the 1000 Guineas, the 2000 Guineas, the Jamaica St Leger, the Jamaica Derby, and the Jamaica Oaks.
The Quick Galloper provides an analysis of the Winston Griffiths.
First place went to Essential Quality, starting with odds of 30-1.
In the Jamaica Oaks on August 5, she finished eleventh and was 99 lengths behind the winner, Mamma Mia.
Jockey Raddesh Roman expertly guided Essential Quality to the front of the nine-horse pack in the Winston Griffiths Classic.
Roman, known for his skill in big races over long distances, controlled the pace and strategically maneuvered the filly down the backstretch.
As they passed the three-furlong marker, Roman accelerated, allowing Essential Quality to establish a commanding lead entering the final straight.
By then, her connections must have felt confident about their victory since none of the other runners could catch her.
Crossing the finish line with a jubilant Roman standing tall in the saddle, Essential Quality was nine lengths ahead and clocked a final time of 2:03.0.
The impressive performance was marked by split times of 25.1, 49.4, 1:14.2, and 1:40.1. Although Essential Quality's victory defied racing logic, it still proves that anything can happen on race day.
Kudos go to Roman for his composed performance and excellent race judgment. Listed groom Nigel Welby, known as the "Diving Groom," also deserves recognition.
Special commendation goes to trainer Oral Hayden who started his career as a horse conditioner in May of this year. Essential Quality's win in the Winston Griffiths Classic has been his most significant accomplishment to date.
Congratulations to all involved with Essential Quality on their resounding victory in the 2023 Winston Griffiths Classic.
