KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Winston Griffiths Classic had its first run last year (2021) for three-year-old horses, not winning one of the traditional Classic races.
What was significant about this inaugural staging of the Winston Griffiths was the distance. It was the first occasion in the then 62-year-old history of horse racing in Jamaica that a race was being run over 9 ½ furlongs. This limited the number of starters, like with nine furlongs and 25 yards distance, to 12 runners.
The 2022 renewal of the Winston Griffiths Classic is set for next Saturday (September 3).
THE QUICK GALLOPER as a build-up to this year’s running, went through the nine starters in the first Winston Griffiths Classic to see where are they now.
FIRST – Santorini with Linton Steadman in the saddle produced his best performance as a three-year-old in this contest winning by over a length. After this historic victory, Santorini trained by Anthony Nunes campaigned moderately in his age group conditions. Unfortunately, earlier this year Santorini passed.
SECOND – Billy Whizz as is always the case ran his heart out to finish second. He continued to do well for the rest of his three-year-old season. Billy Whizz is yet to ascend to higher heights at four, although being competitive.
THIRD – Secret Identity. THE QUICK GALLOPER has been recently informed that this filly has been retired to stud. She’s My Destiny reached the Open Allowance grade.
FOURTH – Daddy Jones has been a major disappointment, wobbling here and there without achieving much.
FIFTH – Ianzha Links has not been around.
SIXTH – Regal and Royal has reached the non-winner of four level, with his last win coming three weeks ago.
SEVENTH – Big Jule is the most accomplished of this lot of nine that entered the starting gates in the first running of the Winston Griffiths Classic. Big Jule from the start of his career has had issues with injuries, leading to him being sparingly raced. Whenever he does make it to compete, especially in the longer races, Big Jule has produced. Racing with the ‘big’ ones now.
EIGHTH – Heavenly Glitter has been pitter-pattering around with little to show.
NINTH – Amy The Butcher has been hampered by injuries during her career. Returned in recent times under the care of Anthony Nunes and won two races.
