Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer
THE STEWARDS struck in the James B. Dawes Memorial Cup feature at Caymanas Park yesterday, disqualifying first past the post THE AMERICAN GAL (9-2) for causing interference to the third horse TOCUMEN in the last 100 metres of the 1200-metre race (claiming $290,000-$260,000).
Ridden by Paul 'Country' Francis for trainer Stanley Findlay, THE AMERICAN GAL just held on from the fast-finishing 3-1 chance LIGHTENING ALLEY on the inside with 2-1 favourite TOCUMEN finished a farther length away third under former champion jockey Trevor Simpson in a field of 10.
However, following a Stewards Inquiry, the grey filly was taken down and placed behind TOCUMEN in third and the race awarded to American-bred LIGHTENING ALLEY, ridden by Christopher Fearon for owner Monica Edwards and trainer Vin Edwards.
With TOCUMEN walking out of the starting gate from the number one post position, it was the well-backed MUSIC MASTER who made most ahead of PURE JUSTICE, THE AMERICAN GAL and TOCUMEN who mended quickly on the inside.
THE AMERICAN GAL took over approaching the home turn and, although racing three lengths clear approaching the distance, ran out off a true line in the closing stages, into the path of TOCUMEN closing determinedly on the outside and her disqualification was inevitable. "All I can say is that I am happy to win a race with Lightening Alley at last," said Vin Edwards.
"I purchased him privately for $200,000 last summer and judging from his close fifth to Twin Star last time out, I knew it wouldn't take him long to finally open his account. This was in fact his first win from 29 starts locally," said the Trainers' Association president.
Francis had better luck aboard the Sidney Watson-trained SNOW PROSPECT (5-1) who underscored the benefit of Lasix first time with an easy victory in the sixth race for maidens over 1400 metres.
The lightly-raced filly made most to win by 3 1/2 lengths from the howling 1-5 favourite MARINERO (Shane Ellis up) on whom the former champion jockey picked up a five-day suspension for indifferent riding recently. Ellis' suspension commences on Saturday.
Many-time champion trainer Philip Feanny (Street Fighter, Quiet Strength) and improving jockey Dane Nelson (Total Motion, Yyessbaby) shared the honours with two winners each on the nine-race programme. All four started favourite.
