Mattis gets 1000th winner

By Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer

SIR MOHAN GOPAL (9-1), ridden by leading jockey Wesley Henry, wins the 9th race for the Eric Dias Memorial Cup over the circular nine course in fine style at Caymanas Park yesterday. - Dennis Coke

EIGHT-TIME champion trainer Kenneth Mattis attained an important milestone at Caymanas Park yesterday when the three-year-old filly L.S.C. CHOICE provided him with his 1000th career win.

Ridden by Kenyatta Davis, L.S.C. CHOICE, an evens favourite, gave Mattis some anxious moments when seemingly in a hopeless position at the rear of the field for the first half of the circular nine race. She turned for home having it all to do, but in the end fairly flew the last furlong to catch and beat 5-2 second favourite KYLE'S DIVA in a driving finish.

After the race, Mattis not only blew a sigh of relief, but the 'twin master' of local racing was presented with a trophy to mark the occasion by CTL's president and CEO Rose Campbell, while the trainer was doused with champagne by the company's marketing manager, Millicent Lynch. Mattis was accompanied by his wife Yvonne, daughter Michelle and several of his grandchildren.

Mattis, who prior to taking up training in 1972 was a top flight jockey for many years, was inducted to the Hall of Fame of Thoroughbred Racing for the second time in June, this for his exploits as a trainer. He was first inducted some 15 years ago for his achievement as a jockey, having ridden 446 winners including 15 classic winners.

In so far as training is concerned, "Kiddy" as he is affectionately called, became the third trainer to join the exclusive club, behind Philip Feanny (1325 wins) and Billy Williams (the first to achieve the feat) on 1072. Jockey Winston Griffiths along with Emelio Rodriquez and Andrew Ramgeet are the other racing personalties to achieve 1000 winners.

Mattis, who earlier this month was conferred with the National Honour, Order of Distinction in recognition of his sterling contribution to the sport, obtained his trainer's licence on April 12, 1972 and saddled his first winner, RUMSTER, months later.

Over the years he has been associated with some truly outstanding horses, including the Hall of Famers LEGAL LIGHT, a two-time 'Horse of the Year, ROYAL DAD, Triple Crown winner and Horse of the Year in 1981 and KHADULLAH who won the 2000 Guineas, St. Leger and Gold Cup in 1990. Mattis turns 65 on September 19.

Meanwhile, FIGHT FOR LIFE, running at odds of 60-1 under the sparingly used Eddie Jackson, produced a devastating stretch run to win the McKay Security 5th Anniversary Trophy race (Restricted Allowance V) over 1500 metres (non winners of two). Owned by R.G. and trained by Gary Crawford, FIGHT FOR LIFE won by three lengths from another outsider, BONNIE'S FLAG (made most) at 42-1 in a maximum field of 16.

The day's co-feature for the Eric Dias Memorial Cup (claiming $200,000 - $180,000) was won in fine style by in-form SIR MOHAN GOPAL (9-1), ridden by leading jockey Wesley Henry for owner Gordon A. Lewis and trainer Gary Subratie.

Earlier, LADY WAHEEDA (30-1) passed the post first in the fifth race over 1500 metres, only to be disqualified and placed third for causing interference to the favourite GANADOR at the home turn and the race awarded to long-time leader DON FABULOSA (8-1) with Joe Buchanan up.

Significantly, LADY WA-HEEDA was ridden by jockey Gerry Bacchas who is in big trouble with the authorities.

Prior to the race, the Stewards, acting on information from another jockey, carried out a search of the Jockeys' Room and an electrical device, popularly called "battery", was found among his belongings. Bacchas has been reported to the Jamaica Racing Commission.

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