Wins his fourth race in a row
KINGSTON, Jamaica – That Patriarch won the SVREL 5th Anniversary Trophy (5 ½ furlongs) was expected but the manner it was achieved oozed dominance, to mark the ascension of this seven-year-old bay horse to the top of the local sprinting podium.
In winning his 18th race from 39 career visits, Patriarch underlined his terrific ability which emerged from his early days as a two-year-old to today.
His racing life has been beset by injuries, thereby curtailing his ability to race often, yet he has earned over $15 million in overall stakes, to more than pay his way for his various connections.
On Saturday (March 5) in the SVREL Anniversary Trophy, Patriarch with Robert Halledeen in the saddle for trainer Fitzgerald “Treadie” Richards, coupled up quickly when he left his starting barrier, to assume the lead, and once that was accomplished, he floated home in a time of 1:05.2 after cruising splits of 23.2 x 46.1 seconds, winning by four lengths.
God of Love (Javaniel Patterson), also trained by Richards completed the exacta, with Laban (Oneil Mullings) in the third slot.
This was the fourth occasion, that Patriarch and God of Love were finishing first and second for trainer Richards and the owner of both horses, Vincent Maine.
Richards, a conditioner, who has paid his dues over the years, is worthy of the highest praise, as, with his patience and innate ability, he is now reaping just rewards from Patriarch and God of Love, with the latter honing in on $10 million earned in career stakes.
Since claiming Patriarch and God of Love, Richards has patiently applied his know-how, to change the fortunes of these two horses. That he has achieved so much with Patriarch and God Love is a testimony of Richards’ ability, and long may it continue.
Of the others in the SVREL Anniversary Trophy, Laban after a break of 68 days did well to finish third, while fourth-placed Duke (Dane Nelson) is taking his own time after two runs to catch the 2022 – six-year-old rhythm.
Father Patrick was simply not around this time. The champion sprinter of 2021, among the older horses, was never in the contest, eventually finishing in last place, more than 20 lengths behind Patriarch. Something must have gone awry with Father Patrick as he simply was not himself on the day.
Nothing, however, can detract from the brilliance of Patriarch, and his dominance in sprinting races.
WELL DONE TO ALL CONCERNED!
