KINGSTON, Jamaica – Two of the recent batch of new trainers, who graduated on May 12, 2023, Peter John Parsard, and Oral Hayden have the distinction of being the first of their lot to saddle horses in a Classic race.
Parsard saddles Bootylicious, and Hayden - Essential Quality in the fillies only Jamaica 1000 Guineas, set to be contested at a mile on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Caymanas Park.
It was an excited Hayden, who spoke with Quickgallop.com after completion of the draw for the 1000 Guineas.
“I am as happy as can be to have a starter in a Classic race, and for sure, the expectation is that going forward, I will have many more with the main objective being to win a Classic race as soon as possible,” Hayden said.
As to the preparation of his filly Essential Quality going into the 1000, Hayden said the task at hand was to maintain her fitness.
“Essential Quality recently won her first race going 7 ½ furlongs. So, what I had to do was to keep her happy and just maintain her fitness level.
“She galloped three furlongs this morning (Tuesday, May 30), clocking 35 seconds, with the jockey reporting that she was nice, easy, and comfortable.
“You have to take into consideration that Essential Quality had a setback, and had to be given about four months to recuperate.
“She has come out of that setback and has shown progress as witnessed by her already-mentioned first victory.
“I believe Essential Quality is getting better and better, at this time,” Hayden told this website.
As to her chances of winning the 1000 Guineas, while optimistic, Hayden was cautious.
“I bought this filly at the Yearling Sale because I wanted a horse to be within reach of the Classic races. She had had her setback, and it should be noted that in the past she has done exercise spins with some good three-year-olds.
“I have a horse in a Classic race as a new trainer, that to me is progress, so let us see what happens on Saturday,” Hayden ended.
