Kelvin 'N'
Keiran Razack was very confident that the Lester Alexis trained Cool Cat would win the feature Sian's Gold Sprint over 1,100 metres on the grass track at Santa Rosa Park, Arima last Saturday.
Razack who had less than 20 rides in 2021 started the season in great style by landing the first Graded event of the Arima Race Club (ARC) racing season at odds of 9-1.
The Alexis trained Cool Cat caused quite a stir at the centralised venue when came between the two birds Lady Bird and Superbird and sprinted clear.
When Guardian Media spoke to Keiran Razack yesterday, he said, "I was very confident that this horse would win. he galloped very well the Sunday morning and everyone thought he was ready. The trainer wanted no over-weight and he got none. I rode him at this allotted weight and he out-ran his six rivals to win going away by 2 1/2 lengths. Really everything went to plan. we knew that the race had plenty of speed and they would set up the race for me. However, I was only fearful of General JN. The trainer expressed to me that I should save ground on the inside but most importantly, I must not miss the break. He further emphasised that I was to keep him warm at the start and the three horses who had to walk down, General JN, Early Bird and Lady Bird gave me the time I needed. "
Razack continued, "I knew I did not have a good year last year and I wanted to win this race as it was the first Graded race for the season. My confidence grew when the gates opened and he jumped alertly. After that, the race unfolded just as we planned. going to the 800 metres marker I was so confident of victory you would not believe. At the far turn, he was travelling so strongly that I thought I had all the birds captive. I remember that champion jockey Brian Boodramsing realised how good he was travelling in the race and said, "Boy your horse going really easy. " However, we both wanted to win and though he tried to keep me in coming around the corner, I pulled out from the inside and came between the two birds. When we straightened up knew it was all over and he burst through between the 'Birds" and lengthened away for an impressive win. Cool Cat is a good horse on his day, he loves the turf and once it remains good or firm he will run well."
He ended, "We may have been lucky that the race panned out for us this time, as the race had too much speed and General JN lost it at the start. Saturday, was our day and I am thankful to the trainer for giving me the ride and I wish to thank the owner for his confidence in me. I hope this year will be a good year for me as I have won the first 'big race' for the season."