KINGSTON, Jamaica - Howard Jaghai has further solidified his good start in the 2024 racing season, marking another successful outing with a pair of wins at Sunday's racing spectacle.
His stewardship was again promoted as Premier Identity and Lady Ramdularie, two of Jaghai's thoroughbreds, secured first-place finishes in their respective events on the competitive 11-race card.
In the day's fourth race, Premier Identity racing in a native-bred five-year-olds yet to clinch three victories and imported five-year-olds and older with fewer than two wins under their belts.
Premier Identity surged from the back of the pack to claim the 6 ½ furlong race with a comfortable 2 ½ length margin, clocking in at an impressive 1:24.2. The victory left competitors Anchorman, guided by Oshane Nugent, and Sneaky Joe, with Jerome Innis at the reins, to take the second and third slots respectively.
The 11th race witnessed Lady Ramdularie's tenacity, as the horse replicated Premier Identity's come-from-behind strategy to triumph in the event for native-bred four-year-olds and older (non-winners of two) and imported four-year-olds and upward (maidens).
Competing over 5 ½ furlongs, Lady Ramdularie edged out her rivals by a neck in a time of 1:10.2, with Maggie’s Trix (Jordan Barrett) and The Bees Knees (Odeen Edwards) falling just short.
Both of Jaghai's winners benefited from the expert handling of jockey Tevin Foster.
Reflecting on his double success, Jaghai shared: "It's a very good feeling... I have a small string of horses, and I think I'm doing fairly well," he remarked.
Expressing confidence in his horses' abilities, Jaghai revealed his anticipation of their wins. He praised Premier Identity for performing consistently and expected a delivery on the day. Likewise, Jaghai had high hopes for Lady Ramdularie, noting the 5 ½ furlong distance as her preferred distance, and commended Foster's outstanding riding.
With the latest wins, Jaghai has notched four victories this year, building upon the six from the previous year. The seasoned trainer, boasting 107 wins over a 23-year career, attributes his success to unwavering dedication to his horses' well-being, precise race selection, and the support of his adept team of grooms.
Looking ahead, Jaghai maintains his meticulous approach, which has been a hallmark of his career since graduating from the JRC trainer's course in 2001.
While he keeps his ambitions close to the vest, it's clear that Howard Jaghai remains a name to watch on the racetrack, as he continues to strive for excellence with every race.
