KINGSTON, Jamaica - A stirring late run from below the distance by the 8/1 chance My Sister took the wind from the flapping sail of 1-5 shot Mr Universe to win the inaugural running of the Vassell “Jolly Man” Najair Memorial Trophy show piece among non-restricted Overnight Allowance three-year-olds and upwards on the 12-race card at Caymanas Park on Saturday, October 12, 2019.
Najair who was popularly known as “Jolly Man” lost his life while trying unsuccessfully to restrain a runaway horse on a ramp during a race meet at Caymanas Park a year ago.
In Saturday’s remembrance event, My Sister ridden by jockey Dane Dawkins took full advantage of the early pacey fractions of 22.2, 45.4 set by Mr Universe (Omar Walker) to complete 1,200 metres in a time of 1.11.4 winning by 1 3/4 lengths. Mr Universe was second with Lady Blue ridden by Paul Francis finishing third another 1 1/4 lengths away.
Winning trainer Gary Subratie expressed the view that he was more hopeful than confident of victory.
“Based on the fact that Mr Universe was coming down from Grade One from the Caribbean Sprint Cup, I thought that it was a tall order but she (My Sister) came through today (Saturday) with the speed coming back to her. The time of 1:11.4 was really good which was faster than in the Caribbean Sprint last week. I am pleased with the run, very pleased.
“Now, My Sister, she has won six races to date and Dane Dawkins is the only jockey to have only won on her and now it is time for Open Allowance, so let us see,” Subratie said.
