Royal Poppy announced her full acclimatization to Jamaican racing on Saturday, September 5, 2026, delivering an authoritative performance to capture an Overnight Allowance event at Caymanas Park.
Making her fourth local appearance, the six-year-old USA-bred chestnut mare demonstrated that she has fully adapted to her new surroundings, drawing away to score comfortably by
Bred by Classic Empire out of M’Dearest, the mare was given a patient, tactically good ride by jockey Raddesh Roman.
In the early stages of the event, Royal Poppy relaxed comfortably off the early pace dictated by the Anthony Nunes-trained Miss Grove. Roman bided his time until passing the three-furlong marker, where he launched a decisive move, quickly swallowing up the distance to challenge the leader.
Miss Grove and Royal Poppy turned into the straight shoulder-to-shoulder at the two-furlong pole, but the duel was short-lived. Once asked for her full effort, Royal Poppy asserted her dominance, pulling clear in the stretch to stop the clock in 1:26.3. The slick fractions for the contest were recorded at 23.1, 46.4, and 1:12.4.
Conditioner Gary Subratie expressed satisfaction in his post-race remarks, noting the patience required when transitioning foreign horses to local racing conditions.
“As is always the case, when foreigners get here, they need time to adapt to different environmental conditions,” Subratie explained.
“It is no different for Royal Poppy, who has taken her time but is getting more acquainted with life at the stables and on the track. At this stage, Royal Poppy is only getting better, and hopefully, with time, she will deliver even better performances.”
