There will be two jockey changes for Saturday's inaugural Supreme Ventures Diamond Mile for purse money of $13.5 million, the richest event in the history of horse racing in the English- speaking Caribbean. The announcement was made on Wednesday at the post position draw at the Supreme Ventures outlet in Cross Roads.
After the smashing upset victory by ‘Franfield’ in the 37th running of the Burger King Superstakes just under three weeks ago, most punters were expecting the Caribbean's all-time leading jockey Winston Griffiths to be in the saddle once again for the richest race in the region.
However, at Wednesday afternoon's post position draw, it was declared that the Superstakes winner will be coming out of gate number 8 and will now to be ridden by Shane Ellis.
According to trainer Richard Azan, Griffiths explained to him after the Superstakes that he had committed himself to riding Phillip Feanny’s ‘Campesino’ which is on the stand-by list for the Diamond Mile. Superstakes third place finisher ‘Perfect Neighbour’ with Robert Halledeen, has drawn post position 6.
The inform colt is one of six entries from the barn of 14-time champion trainer Wayne DaCosta. The two American speed balls ‘Uppa Tune’ the mount of Dane Nelson and ‘FortuneoneNundred’ with Jevvanne Erwin, will start from gates 14 and 16 respectively.
Spencer Chung who lost the services of Ellis for ‘Typewriter’, has called on Aaron Chatrie to do duties on the reinging horse of the year who will come out of gate number 3. Chung's other entry is Commanding Chief’ with Ian Spence.
Despite the top sixteen being confirmed for post positions, they will all be given a final test by the Jamaica Racing Commission vet by 12 noon on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the promoting company Caymanas Track Limited has received a record breaking 226 entries for the day's programme which will have 14 races.
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