By: Curtis Morton
The 4th annual press conference featuring information on the much anticipated DAN BARTLETTE MEMORIAL STAKES meet, was held on Monday 9th September at the Llewellyn Newton Disaster Preparedness Building, located at Long Point.
The proceedings were ably chaired by Manager/Owner of A1 Technology, Mr. Mackay Tross who gave a historical overview of the Nevis Turf and Jockey Club. He noted that organized Horse racing started on Nevis in 1968 under first President of the prestigious organization, Mr. Arthur Evelyn ably assisted by the first Treasurer, the late Mrs. Cicely Grell Hull.
He then listed some of the presidents who have led the organization over the years. These include: Richard Lupinacci; Dexter Bowrin; John Guilbert; Emmanuel Jeffers; Whitney Huggins and current President, Allister Thompson.
President Allister Thompson then revealed that the Nevis Turf and Jockey Club in celebrating its 45th year of existence, is actually in the process of hosting a week of activities:
Sunday 8th September—The body worshipped at the Crossroads Community Church
Monday 9th September—Dan Bartlette Memorial Stakes press conference
Tuesday 10th September—LET’S TALK program on VON radio featuring Spencer Howell; Emmanuel Jeffers and Allister Thompson
Thursday 12th September—Awards ceremony and cocktail hosted by Premier Vance Amory at the OCCASIONS. Three persons, who have contributed significantly to the success of Horseracing on Nevis, will be honoured. They are:
Wrensford MAS Thompson-Trainer and Horse owner
Dennis RUDY Browne—Horse owner; Jockey and Commentator who has made famous the phrase ‘What a rush!’
Claire Yearwood—Horse owner; Judge and Director.
Saturday 14th September—Grand dance at Caribbean Cove starting at 9pm. Admission $20.00.
GRAND MASTERS band alongside THE KORE and a popular DJ will provide the entertainment.
Monday 16th September—National Heroes’ day—The Dan Bartlette Memorial Stakes
It was pointed out that the past winners of the massive Dan Bartlette memorial cup have been:
DOMINQUERO
WILD CANDY
MR. BIG PEPE
Tross and Thompson promised that the races on Monday 16th will be exhilarating with quite a number of match ups in the offing:
Race one—A contest not only between two top horses but significantly, a contest between two trainers. They all originate from the Richard Lupinacci Hermitage Stables and the two horses are GREY GHOST and ALL EYES ON ME, while the two competing trainers are Leroy HAWK Thompson and Kyle Doras.
Race two—GOTOGETTARYTHYM; LADY PLEASURE and PRINCESS MELODY
Race three—A Gelding and Colt classic—SHEIK SUNG AND ROSMAN, with two other horses yet to be named
Race four—The feature event—MR. BIG PEPE; OBAMA; WILD CANDY and REAL ASPECTATION
Race five—A hyped event—HAWLEY’S WILD FIRE; LADY BOSS; SHAKE N SHAY and PRIMAVERA.
The gates open at 12.30pm and the first race on Monday 16th September is scheduled for 2.30 pm.
Admission is $20.00 for adults; $10.00 for High School children and Primary Schoolers will get in free of cost.
Additional entertainment will be provided by the Grand Masters band; THE KORE and a popular DJ.
Thompson also took time out to thank the sponsors of the major event:
International Source and Supply; TDC group of companies; SL Horsfords; Hermitage Inn; Beaumont Park; VON radio; Choice FM; Freedom radio; Nevis Bakery; Island Purified Water and NTV 8.
After the presentations, members of the press were able to pose questions to the persons at the head table which included Vice President of the club, Maurice Stapleton. Also in attendance were other Directors, horse owners and jockeys.