Nipster takes Royal Dad thanks to jockey Robert Halledeen – second winner for trainer Gary Subratie

KINGSTON, Jamaica –  Nipster laid a solid claim for the upcoming Classic Jamaica St Leger with a fighting win in the nine furlongs and 25 yards feature - the Royal Dad Trophy.

This win by Nipster came in the ninth race which was a restricted stakes contest for three and four year olds non-winners of four.

Nipster running two turns for the first time with Robert Halledeen in the saddle was kept on the inside rails as Roy Rogers (Raddesh Roman), the only four-year-old in the eight horse field went in front like a scared hare.

Roy Rogers was tracked by King Arthur (Anthony Thomas) and Green Gold Rush (Paul Francis).

Halledeen was in no hurry as he chose to settle Nipster behind the leading trio of rivals.

Roy Rogers took the rest into the lane with King Arthur not giving up while holding a competitive gallop, and Double Crown on the outside preparing to launch his customary late surge. Oneofakind (Omar Walker) had also made steady progress.

Halledeen kept Nipster on the inside rails and a battle royal ensured  with Thomas and King Arthur that evoked loud shouts from the small gathering at the Park.

In the end it was Nipster and Halledeen who claimed the victory with King Arthur second and Oneofakind third.

The winning margin was a neck and the final time was an encouraging 1:54.1.

Nipster was the second winner on the day for trainer Gary Subratie.