VANCOUVER, British Columbia, CMC – Trinidadian Kerron Khelawan continued hunting for the jockeys’ title. It led the way for Caribbean reinsmen plying their trade on Friday at the Hastings Racecourse in Canada.
The former T&T champion apprentice, Kerron Khelawan, made a significant move in the jockeys’ standings, putting him in a close second position, just 11 wins behind the leader and six-time titlist, Amadeo Perez.
Khelawan’s win came in the CAN $45 000 maiden optional claiming third race, a competitive event for maidens, three years old and upward, over 1 300 meters on the dirt track. He spurred the odds-on favorite, What’s Shakin, to a neck win, showcasing his skill and determination.
He was unhurried on What’s Shakin early while trailing the field into the backstretch before he launched his bid with the three-year-old bay gelding entering the final turn and close determinedly to finish in one minute, 17.06 seconds, only 2.06 off the track record.
Khelawan returned to steer the 2-1 chance Perfect Penny to a one-length win in the CAN $11 000, claiming the fifth race over 1 300 meters on the dirt, featuring fillies and mares, three years old and upward, that have never won three races.
Entering the backstretch, Khelawan put Perfect Penny to track the dueling leaders, Drill Baby Drill and B C Christie, ridden by fellow former T&T champion apprentice Kimal Santo and eight-time T&T champion Brian Boodramsingh respectively.
Khelawan then got Perfect Penny to set sail after the pacesetters entered the final turn, and the five-year-old bay mare closed willingly in the drive and proved best to clock 1 min, 17.77 secs, 2.77 off the track record.
Earlier, Santo got his 15th win of the season. He fortified his hold on fourth aboard 3-5 favorite No Soup for Baby in the CAN $11 000 maiden claiming first race, and Jamaican Bebeto Harvey got his fourth win astride the 3-1 chance Groovin’ Is Back in the CAN $11 000 claiming final race.
and then 