- IAN ALLEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
MIRACLE MAN is led into the winners' enclosure by jockey Allen Maragh after his fighting victory in the season's final classic, the $2.5 million Jamaica St. Leger, over 2000 metres at Caymanas Park, yesterday. He had previously won the Derby and Governor's Cup.
Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer
IN AN epic duel from the half mile to the last furlong, the 1-2 favourite MIRACLE MAN outfinished his arch rival AD INFINITUM to win the 79th running of the Jamaica St. Leger over 2000 metres at Caymanas Park yesterday.
Ridden by Florida-based Jamaican jockey Allen 'Bungo John' Maragh for veteran 'Hall of Fame' trainer Allan 'Billy' Williams and popular owner Joseph 'Fudgie' Duany, MIRACLE MAN, as he did in the June 4 Digicel Derby, displayed good battling qualities to beat the Anthony Nunes-trained AD INFINITUM (2-1) into second place for the third consective time, this by two lengths in a field of seven native bred three-year-olds.
Finishing third, another two lengths away was the Derby third ROYAL COMMAND (3-1) with champion jockey Trevor Simpson again at the helm, while the Courts Jamaica Oaks winner ALL FOR PLEASURE (9-1) was fourth.
SLOPPY GOING
It was in fact ALL FOR PLEASURE with former champion Wesley Henry aboard who led in the sloppy going as they galloped past the stands for the first time, just ahead of AD INFINITUM, under jockey Brian Harding, with a two-length gap to MIRACLE MAN in third.
ALL FOR PLEASURE gave way to AD INFINITUM at the half-way stage, but the much improved bay gelding was not allowed to settle, as Maragh quickly urged his mount to go in chase.
Obviously not wanting AD INFINITUM to slip him in the mud, Maragh mounted his challenge with MIRACLE MAN on the outside from the half mile and the race was truly on.
Both flashed past the furlong pole in a duel to the death, but the in-built class of MIRACLE MAN soon proved a decisive factor. Wailing away with the left-hand stick from early in the last furlong, Maragh was able to conjure up the necessary kick from MIRACLE MAN midway through the last furlong, the chestnut colt by Law Of The Sea out of Hya going on to emulate the feat of his full brother HERECOMESFUDGIE who won the St. Leger in 2003 with Maragh riding for Duany and trainer Philip Feanny.
On a day of upsets, current champion Feanny posted four winners in MINISTER ON FIRE, SAYONARA, WICKY WACKY and KINGSTONIAN.
