VANCOUVER, Canada, CMC – The Caribbean jockeys, led by the talented Ridge Balgobin, showcased their exceptional skill and talent on Friday’s seven-race card at Hastings Racecourse, leaving a mark of their presence.
The 25-year-old won with favorite Arikara in race six over 6-½ furlongs and immediately followed up in race seven, also over 6-½ furlongs, with victory aboard 7-1 chance Kardinal Rose.
Balgobin now has seven wins from 25 wins for the season, which opened April 27, five behind leader Amadeo Perez.
After finishing down the field in the day’s first two races, Balgobin opened his account in style when he combined with six-year-old bay mare Arikara to edge the three-year-old and upward fillies and mares by a head.
In a thrilling front-running effort, Balgobin held off an early challenge from 15-1 bet No People, establishing a clear lead before a nail-biting finish where he had to dig in late to hold off the fast-finishing 4-1 choice Wandalita.
Balgobin was back in the winners’ enclosure again quickly, guiding the three-year-old chestnut filly Kardinal Rose to a dominant 3-¾ length victory over three-year-old and upward maidens.
Delta Sunrise and Showman dueled through the half mile before Balgobin brought Kardinal Rose off the pace to grab the lead, leaving the final turn, and control the final furlongs.
Balgobin was joined in his success by fellow Trinidadian Brian Boodramsingh, who paired with a 2-1 chance Wealthy Texan to get the better of the three-year-olds by three-quarters of a length in a 6-½ furlong contest in race four.
And in a testament to the diversity of talent in the Caribbean, Jamaican Christopher Mamdeen also tasted success in another 6-½ furlongs sprint in race five, guiding favorite Lonie Mo to a narrow win by a head over the three-year-old and upwards maiden fillies and mares.
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