Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer

Miracle Man - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

The chairman of Caymanas Track Limited (CTL), William Chin-See, has hailed the victory of MIRACLE MAN in Saturday's Confraternity Classic in Puerto Rico, describing it as a shot in the arm for the local horseracing industry.

Speaking amid scenes of jubilation from punters at Caymanas Park shortly after the US$100,000 race was beamed live to racing fans from the El Commandante racetrack in Puerto Rico, Chin-See said it was a fantastic feat by MIRACLE MAN to beat the best four-year-olds in Central America and the Caribbean.

"The big chestnut colt has done Jamaica proud. This should serve as a big boost for Jamaican racing and the breeding industry in particular," said Chin-See.

Special horse

"The horse is so very special and he must have a great future at stud. CTL extends heartiest congratulations to his connections - owner Joseph 'Fudgie' Duany, Hall of Fame trainer Allan 'Billy' Williams and of course the groom, Anthony McLeod. This is a feat our horsemen would do well to emulate and I believe it will inspire them in the future."

MIRACLE MAN's victory was greeted by prolonged cheers and wild celebrations at Caymanas Park and its 60-odd betting parlours islandwide.

The son of Law Of The Sea out of Hya has now won his last 11 races, 10 of these coming this year.

A second consecutive 'Horse of the Year' award looks a mere formality.

The colt's trip to Puerto Rico was funded jointly by CTL and the Jamaica Racing Commission.