KINGSTON, Jamaica - Rachel’s Grace, a talented but troubled three-year-old filly trained by Gary Subratie for owner A BMW, took the track to leave non-winners of two behind with a fighting come-from-behind victory in a Restricted Allowance call at Caymanas Park on Friday, December 6.
Inside the final half of the 800 metres straight sprint contest, Rachel’s Grace looked as though she was battling for one of the minor placings.
But her rider, Christopher Mamdeen was relentless, as he pushed the filly for all he was worth to get up in time to peg back the early leader Just Trick Me under apprentice Samantha Fletcher. Rachel’s Grace then withstood the challenge of Nevada ridden by jockey Jerome Innis to achieve victory.
Rachel’s Grace, a 4/1 chance in the field of eight runners, completed 800 metres in a time of 46.3 to defeat the 3/5 favourite Nevada by one length to register her second career win from five career starts.
Following her brave win, Rachel’s Grace bred by Casual Trick - Fatty Bum Bum, assistant to trainer Gary Subratie, Wayne Binns said the filly’s performance had a positive ring.
“She was coming off a break and we were not expecting her to be so sharp coming into the race. We had, however, worked on her and she got home and we are thankful for that.
“The jockey rode a good race and Rachel’s Grace demonstrated that she is a fighter. It was another graceful day and we give many thanks for the effort.
“Rachel’s Grace is quite a versatile sort as she also rides the bends well, having opened her winning career on the round course in a time of 1:00.3, winning by three lengths.”
Where do you go from here? “We cannot bring her back too quickly. Maybe another three to four weeks before she returns to racing as we have to take time with her, as she has issues,” Binns, who is also the owner offered.
