Inspired Adventure by name and nature

By Kent Layne

Sent off at odds of 7-1, Inspired Adventure produced his signature off-the-pace finishing kick to win the BTC 117th Anniversary Handicap at the Garrison Savannah on Friday’s Errol Barrow Day.

There was a lengthy delay to the start of the event as horses were in the parade ring and behind the starting stalls of the 1800-meter event while two riders were in the stewards’ facing an enquiry and decision. There was more drama as horse number 4 Refire refused to be loaded into the starting stalls giving the gate attendants the world of trouble.

Horse number 1 What You Think copied the antics of Refire and also gave trouble until race day stewards contacted starter Mark Batson via walkie talkie to withdraw both of them as attempts to get them loaded was time consuming. Punters got their monies back on the two withdrawals.

Inspired Adventure storming to victory.

After the race finally started Rio Pointi went to the lead under Rickey Walcott with a very slow pace going the first quarter in 26.2. Good Vibration followed in second looking for a double of wins. Alleria was third, Undisputed was in fourth and a not very comfortable looking 3-5 favourite and 2020 Derby winner War Eagle second from last with Inspired Adventure bringing up the rear.

Good Vibration made a bid at Rio Pointi at the nine furlong start but the Kenny John-trained Alleria split them both as she was aiming for her first win in her second start since arriving in the Island.

Rio Ponti shrugged off the threat of Good Vibration and Alleria but the latter’s stablemate Inspired Adventure lived up to its name and finished like an absolute train to win from Rio Pointi. Undisputed ran on well to take third and Alleria finished fourth to give trainer Kenny John first and fourth place positions.

It was a good day for winning Jockey N Rico Prescod  who was the third rider on the day to score a double along with Delano Lopez.