Orgnisers of last weekend’s Horse Racing event in Vieux Fort are beaming with pride while speaking of the sport’s success.
The Horse Racing at the Kaka Boeuf saw intense competition among the participating jockeys.
On Sunday, the Southern Equestrian Association organised the event to rekindle interest in the traditional horse racing spectacle many residents had previously enjoyed.
The organisers disclosed that the public response was overwhelming.
They said the horse race also attracted good support from the corporate sector, medical officials, and other interested groups.
The organisers viewed the event as an avenue to help young people from the community stay on a straight path by allowing the youth to harness their skills and display their riding skills.
Patrons gathered at the Kaka Boeuf to witness eight races with riders competing in different categories.
The event got off with three – Creole Races with the following results:
Race # 1 was won by Travis Clovis, riding the horse Tire; 2nd Place went to Wilbert Moffatt with Doubly Surprise, and in 3rd Place was Sandy Huse with King Gambit.
Race #2 Results: 1st Place –Earl Williams with Pick Up, 2nd Place – Ritchie with Bido, and 3rd Place – Maxim Louison with Massacre
Race #3 Results: 1st Place – Yannick Simon with Henny, 2nd Place – Kade Elva with Happy Storm, and 3rd Place – Delwin Door with Admiral
Half-Breed Races –
Race #1- won by Sandy Huse with Lookit,
Race # 2 – won by Curly Trim with Magical Power
Thoroughbred Race –
1st Place – Fidel Dabreau with Colonel Pride
Rumble Races
Race #1 – won Happy Strom
Race #2 (Half-Breed Rumble) – won by Hit It
Choix Melchoir, PRO of the Southern Equestrian Association, reported, “There was a sizable crowd and hundreds of people turned out. And for the most part, the weather held up and we had no major incidents, so all in all we see it as a success and we look forward to having another event – and we acknowledge the support of the patrons and the people who came out to support and made this a wonderful event.”
Before the races, a veteran horse racing enthusiast from the south told St. Lucia Times that he was pleased with the horse racing revival.
He said it provided an opportunity for “the beginning of a resurgence of local horse racing.”
Describing the Kaka Bouef as the “home” of horse racing on the Island, Marlan Biscette said, the event has helped to forge good relationships among residents in the community and its environs and outside interests, as well.
He is optimistic that “after this event, we are looking forward to hosting more of these activities in the future.”
If my memory served right as far back as I can recalled, certain sections or communities used to host horse racing on the island similar to cricket Ramas. Then it became a major sport for some, similarly like cockfights, they are small community wise, but they punch an impact as it relates to generate an income for some. Fastforward, I hate to see when politicians looking for brownie points just to justify to the public that their needs are being met. Bullshit! For any government to invest in its resources it must acquire or reacquire land to serve the people as a whole. We may want to debate it but with an Island zero natural resources you ought to make it become gold. Make wise investments, tactical and strategic one. We have stadiums which are BARON, collapsing with zero collateral benefits. Only stands as white elephants when the season goes silent. We seriously need to stop thinking like A CRAB IN A BASKET SYSTEM. We give politicians power we can easily take it away from them, they are not JESUS as they incoherently believe they are. Think of it politically, economically socially, and all. Should St. Lucia really be at level where we’re at? We give hotels 15+ years tax exceptions, with zero beneficial returns, the agriculture sectors are in a mess. We borrow beyond the capacity we can earn, we borrow to pay premium for roads and healthcare, yet past and present leaders are flying offshore to check what cause their shittings. Horse racing is a billion dollar industry to stay on the subject you know how many millions going out via our banks in the Caribbean collectively online betting?
I AM FOR SUCCESS AND IMPROVEMENT BUT SAFETY IS ALSO PART OF IT. RIDERS OR JOCKEYS SHOULD BE EQUIPED WITH PROPER GEAR LIKE, A SADDLE , HELMET, RIDING ATIRE GOOGLES ETC. NOT RIDING BAREBACK AND NO PROTECTION FOR THE HORSE , RIDER OR SPECTATORS. GUYS IF YOU ARE GOING TO DO SOMETHING DO IT RIGHT NOT HALF WAY.
GOGGLES CORRECTION.
Just wondering, what metric do they use to declare these events successful? 🤔
So much badmind.
@Sumo anytime there is alcohol and loud music in St Lucía is considered successful
I AGREE @ Sumo, I THINK SUCCESSFUL TO THEM MEANS TURN OUT , BUT NOT FINANCIALLY TRUST ME THEY HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO. WHEN YOU HEAR HORSE RACING I MEAN BIG PURSES INVOLVED , AND HIGH BREAD HORSES NOT THE ONES IN VF PASTURES , WHAT THEY HAVE IS JUST A BACK YARD HORSE RACING , NO BIG MONEY ENOUGH TO MAKE BIG BETS. MAZHEE.
Next thing ‘DOG RACING’ none of the gears required for horse racing; train Dogs to chase after each other – they’ll run. Next thing they’ll all come to see from other Islands.