Saffie Joseph wins Sandy Lane Gold Cup

Champion trainer at Gulfstream Park, Barbados-born Saffie Joseph Jr, finally captured his first Sandy Lane Gold Cup when Harrow made a bold move from fourth position in the early stages to rocket past early pacesetter Jerry the Nipper.

Jerry the Nipper had set fractions of 26.0 and 49.4.

Joseph, who finished second in the last two runnings of the Gold Cup, had Harrow sharp like an arrow as he produced a ferocious kick to join his stablemate Public Sector at the two-furlong marker as he quickened in the final furlong.

Harrow fought off the Gay Smith-owned Smokin T with Patrick Husbands who rallied to run a game second.

Jerry the Nipper ran back on for third and Public Sector fourth. 

Winning jockey of Harrow, Rasheed Hughes, who was celebrating his second Gold Cup, told Barbados TODAY it is always a special feeling to win the Gold Cup although nothing would beat the feeling of his first Gold Cup win in 2018 with Celestial Storm.

 Joseph was not present for his first Gold Cup win, staying in the US where he is focusing on the Fourth of Youth Stakes where he has a starter.

Trainer Robert Peirce, who was overseeing the Joseph runners, said he was very happy for Saffie as he has accomplished a lot lately, like winning his first Breeders’ Cup race last year at Del Mar, and winning the prestigious Pegasus World Cup.

Winning Owners were AVERILL RACING LLC  and  One Guyana racing group. (KL)