KINGSTON, Jamaica - There is no doubt the late Hubert “Chinna” Bartley was among the finest local jockeys to have graced the profession in the history of horse racing in Jamaica. A three-time champion (1983, 1986, 1991), Bartley, a taciturn character who did not interact much with the spectators a la the likes of Emilio Rodriquez and Dane Nelson as well as others, barely allowed himself the luxury of a smile following victories even in major races.
Bartley had an uncanny judgement of pace and his extremely flat posture in the saddle, backed with unbelievable dexterity in the deployment of the use of his whip as well as his confidence served him well. His over 700 winners included the Guineas (four times), the Derby (two times), and the St Leger (six times). Plagued with weight problems, the outstanding reinsman died early in retirement at age 54 in March 2017 and it is fitting that there is the Hubert Bartley Memorial Trophy, which was Sunday’s feature.
Presented with a gift, five-year-old US-bred Eroy (3-5), a successful Graded Stakes campaigner, returned to Overnight Allowance and promptly scored by 12¼ lengths on the sloppy surface over the 1,500 metres of this 10th and feature event. Jockey Dick Cardenas accepted this gift on behalf of trainer Richard Azan, who is a part-owner with Dr Graham Brown and Randy McLean.
Bizarrely, in the field of 10 lined up for the Hubert Bartley, there were two runners, Denbigh Life and Out On A Limb. Both six-year-olds qualified for Overnight Allowance competition. Victories in their previous races moved their successes to four career wins each. These two have made 31 and 34 appearances respectively, and given their ages have no chance of being competitive at this level. A simple exception in the conditions of entry could allow for locally bred five-year-olds and upwards appropriately handicapped to remain in Restricted Allowance III/IV rather than be forced into claiming races to be competitive.
The opening event was won convincingly by Miss Linda Wray at 5/2 with Samantha Fletcher riding confidently to a three-and-half win margin for trainer Joseph Thomas.
In race two, trained by Michael Marlowe, consistently placing maiden Blue Seas (1-2) gave journeyman jockey Omar Simpson his first win of the season from 30 opportunities. This favourite scored by three lengths from in front over the 1000-metre straight course.
Race three was won Subbie (Aaron Chatrie) arriving in the final stride of the 1,300 metres at 13-1 for trainer Lorne Kirlew.
Trainer Gary Griffiths cleared the way for double success on the day with maiden Eddietwentynine scoring in race four over 1,000 metres straight, with Reyan Lewis supplying assistance from the saddle.
In race five, the good form of Phillip Parchment was extended as he rode his fourth winner in 24 hours, partnering the Jason DaCosta-schooled maiden Great Wayne (4-5) over the 1,000-metre straight course. While in race six, over a similar trip, Sniperman (5-2), bred, owned, and trained by Lorenzo Robinson, returned to form with Dick Cardenas having the inconsistent gelding in front throughout to win by three lengths.
Maiden Minidiwak (Linton Steadman) returned odds of 10/1 in securing race seven, run over 1,400 metres for trainer Anthony Nunes.
Half an hour later, with Letters In Gold (5-1) winning the eighth over 1,100 metres, trainer Gary Griffiths enjoyed his deserved second trip to pose with horse and jockey Hakeem Pottinger in the winners’ enclosure.
Versatile, hard-knocking four-year-old colt T Brady (3-5), from the Gary Subratie outfit, justified his short odds by two-and-a-half lengths in the ninth, run over 1,300 metres. The margin of victory does not tell the true story as successful jockey Paul Francis had to work hard to wear down pacemaker Super Duper with champion Anthony Thomas asking for more and more effort throughout the home stretch drive.
