KINGSTON, Jamaica - “Yes, it has been a long time since I have saddled a winner. So, the win with Storm is appreciated.”
Those are the words of trainer Oneil ‘Sweetie Man’ Markland, who watched with delight as Storm won the eighth of ten races on Saturday, March 2, 2024. That event was contested over 7 ½ furlongs, for three-year-old and up horses in the claiming bracket; $1 million - $800,000.
Storm ridden by Christopher Mamdeen, trudged out of his starting barrier, spotting rivals several lengths. Mamdeen was not flustered, as he gradually moved through the field, to enter the final two furlongs of the straight on the inside rails.
Storm started to blow in the lane, sweeping by the leaders to win by 4 ¼ lengths in a final time of 1:36.1.
“I told the rider to allow Storm to break by himself, which he did, then Mamdeen rode a patient and well-timed race to earn the victory,” Markland said in an interview with Quickgallopja.com.
Markland then shared his present status as a conditioner.
“Right now, I have seven horses in my stables. One of those seven is a two-year-old filly by Hedge Fund out of Necromancer. I am now in the process of going through the paces with her.
“Hopefully, she will develop and have a successful racing career,” Markland stated.
