Caribbean Sports Network

THE expected epic duel never materialised as Bruceontheloose galloped to a resounding two-length triumph over arch-rival Cactus Amour in yesterday’s 59th running of the Neal & Massy Independence Cup named in honour of the late company chief executive officer Bernard Dulal-Whiteway at Santa Rosa Park, Arima. A massive Independence Day holiday crowd waited with bated breath before starter Carlton Ramsaroop sent the eight runners on their way in the 1800 metres race, shifted to the main track from the original turf which was deemed unfit.

There was the usual roar at the off and turfites watched the race unfold with jockey Wilmer Galviz dropping “Bruce” to seventh in the early going made by Divine Bull and Proud Kentuckian.

But there was veteran rider Ricky Jadoo, adopting the same tactics as when the duo met last time out, sitting right behind his main rival.

Both horses made their expected forward move at the halfway stage of the race.

But with 600 metres to go in the race, “Bruce” accelerated and majesatically strode away, leaving Cactus Amour as though standing, and as Galviz kept his mount up to his work with hands and heels, there was no late challenge from his rival this time as he went on to couch the $120,000 winner’s purse for owners Tres Amigos.

“Bruce” was giving trainer John O’Brien his fifth winner of the Independence Cup on the trot, three with recently retired Chief Commander and a career eight overall. And for Galviz, this was his fourth winning ride in the race, having won twice with Chief Commander.

Two very fortunate turfites left Santa Rosa Park with a combined cheque of over $100,000 for being single winners of the Hi5 in the fifth and seventh races.

For correctly forcasting the first five in the day’s fifth race — Dionysus, Captain America, Sirius, Majestic and Gardenangel, the dividend was $53,483.50, and in the seventh the correct quinted of Most Definitely, Strangerinparadise, Scent Of Money, Wild Life and Carib Time, the reward was $56,846.30.

Apprentice Ryan Hasranah was the leading rider with two winners to his credit, but O’Brien, Douglas Bennett and Harriram “Pepsi” Bennett shared the honours among trainers.