Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer
GAILY DECORATED cemented her claim as the year's champion sprinter when she made all convincingly to win the Reggae Trophy over the straight five course, the sixth and final race in the National Gas Stations' Fillies.
One of three winners for top apprentice Ramon Parish, GAILY DECORATED was installed a 3-5 favourite and duly raced to her fourth consecutive win since September 30.
She was early in the lead from the 9-5 second favourite RATIFIED on the far side and as they galloped on to the main track, extended her lead over RATIFIED to win in the smart time of 57.4, one and one fifth of a second outside the track record set by many-time sprint champion EROS in September, 1991.
An American bred five-year-old mare by Well Decorated out of Gayloration, GAILY DECORATED who has had her problems in the past, previously won the prestigious Red Stripe Mile on November 11 and the Melvin "Baba" Chin Memorial Cup over 1200 in fast time (1:10.2) on October 28. She is owned by Hamark Farms and trained by Errol Waugh who said her next objective is the valuable Eros Trophy over 1400 metres (formerly the Gold Cup) on December 16.
"That could well be her final race as we are contemplating retiring her to stud. Now back to her best, she has nothing more to prove, but a decision on her future will be made after the Eros Trophy", explained Waugh.
Meanwhile, fresh from his fabulous five-timer on Wednesday, jockey of the moment Trevor Simpson followed up with four winners yesterday, including 6-1 chance LET THE MUSIC PLAY in the Flossie McNeil Memorial Cup (Restricted Allowance 2) over 1200 metres.
Prominently placed in third from the outset, LET THE MUSIC PLAY turned for home on the heels of long-time leader and 8-5 favourite KENTUCKY PRINCESS before gaining the ascendancy in the last 100 metres to win by 1 1/4 lengths in a field of 13 three-year-olds. The winner is owned by Nadon and trained by Wilfred Chin.
Simpson also won aboard 4-5 favourite CHAMPION GIRL, 2-1 shot DIAMONDANDDAGGERS and an outsider, TIME AFTER TIME at 15-1 in the 1300 metres race for maiden three-year-olds.
The 31-year-old overseas based jockey, who is here on a brief stint since November 11, had this to say.
"I really enjoy the experience of winning races on a regular basis in Jamaica once again. Everywhere I go the vibes is just right and racing fans want me to stay, especially with Ramgeet (Andrew) sidelined by injury for a while. But while I love the atmosphere at Caymanas Park, my family needs me and I will be here only until the early part of January".
Prior to his return, Simpson had been riding successfully at Finker Lakes racetrack in upstage New York. He has ridden 13 winners at Caymanas Park in only five racedays.
Trainer Robert Darby saddled three winners, while his son Ryan posted the 35-1 outsider MUTUAL AGREEMENT to win the closing race.
