KINGSTON, Jamaica - On Saturday, March 16, 2024, Michael Hall celebrated his birthday with a victory, teaming up with jockey Shane Richardson and the gelding Curlin's Flight to clinch a win at 15-1 odds in the day's first race of a 10-race programme.
The contest was an Optional Claiming event for three-year-olds and older, priced between $400,000 and $300,000, featuring native-bred six-year-olds and above (non-winners of four) and imported six-year-olds and above (non-winners of three), spanning 5 furlongs straight.
Early in the race, Curlin’s Flight lagged behind the leaders, with Richardson maintaining a position just off the pace. The six-year-old dark bay gelding observed as Thalos, with Richard Henry, and Jon P, ridden by Raddesh Roman, set the initial pace.
Entering the final 400 meters, Curlin’s Flight, together with Baton Rouge under Jawani Forbes, launched their final pushes. It was Curlin’s Flight who pulled ahead in the last stretch, winning by a half-length over Baton Rouge. D's Choice, with Rudolph Paige in the irons, secured third place with a final time of 1:03.2 (24.1 x 47.1).
Hall expressed immense satisfaction with the outcome. "I am feeling fine as it was a great birthday present," Hall conveyed to the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.
Hall shared the history of acquiring Curlin's Flight from Patrick Lynch, whom he regards as one of the top horse trainers in the region. "I had to work with him [Curlin’s Flight] because he had his faults, but I think we have gotten to a stage where he could win," Hall explained.
Despite suggestions to change jockeys, Hall's faith in Richardson was rewarded. "I had wanted him to win on my birthday, and I was able to do that today. A lot of people said that I must take down the jockey and put up someone else, but I believe in honesty, and that was what brought us through today," he stated.
Having been in horse racing for over four decades, Hall reflected on the significance of each win. "Well, I am very happy. It is always good to win races," he affirmed.
