KINGSTON, Jamaica - Following Atlantic Convoy’s victory in the Milligram Trophy feature race on Saturday, March 19, 2023 trainer Patrick Lynch believes he has unearthed a bright star in his stable.
The three-year-old, Canadian-bred, chestnut colt Atlantic Convoy took up the running from 5 furlongs (1,000m) out and dominated rivals by 4½ lengths in winning a native-bred three-year-old and upwards (non-winners of two) and imported three-year-olds and upwards (maidens) going seven and a half furlongs (1,500m).
Ridden by champion Dane Dawkins, Atlantic Convoy (Stormy Atlantic – My Sweet Emily), owned by Solomon Sharpe, won easily ahead of Anonymous (Tevin Foster) and Inspire Force (Anthony Thomas) in a time of 1:33.2.
“The performance by Atlantic Convoy was very good as he did extremely well to win the race. I mean, we still have to watch and see how he develops and try to eliminate problems like lameness and so forth, but I think if he continues on the same path and develops well, we might have a very nice horse,” Lynch said.
“Well, every trainer would like a horse that can go long distances, take up the lead, and don’t give up in the end, and the final time of the race done by Atlantic Convoy was not bad. I mean, it wasn’t great but it wasn’t bad either, and so anybody that has a horse like that would be very happy and comfortable,” Lynch continued.
It was a good start for Atlantic Convoy, settling in second position behind Big Guy In TheSky (Kiaman McGregor) leaving the intersection at the 7-furlong (1,400m) pole. Atlantic Convoy continued to bide his time behind Big Guy In TheSky down the backstretch before the far-striding colt surged to the front at the 5-furlong marker.
Atlantic Convoy was in cruise control navigating the half mile (800m) and into the lane. With no one to challenge him Atlantic Convoy went about his business to post his first win on local soil from two starts, having finished second on debut on February 4 over the straight course at 5 furlongs. Atlantic Convoy thus completed a three-timer for Lynch.
“One winner would make you feel great, and so can you imagine three?” said Lynch.
