Horse racing in T&T on Wednesday lost another good friend with the passing of owner/trainer Rohit Dube.
Within the last year, the racing fraternity has seen, the passing of no fewer than seven racing stalwarts including Venice Richards, Nyron Dookeran, Vere Bhagan, Chee Awai, Juan Mosca and Rolf Bartolo.
Dube died after ailing for a short time through the dreaded COVID-19.
Dube, 69, was an accomplished teacher, School Supervisor and trainer. He will be remembered for his assistance to many in the teaching fraternity and to many with assistance in education at the track.
Among the horses, who were either owned or trained by Dube, were Big Thing and Big Man.
Dube got his trainer's licence in 1963 and has landed 179 winners in his career. His earning during his career was $5.5 million. Dube was an owner/trainer and breeder who passed on with some of his mare in foal.
In 2013, Dube saddled a good double when the Big Thing scooted home under Kieron Khelawan by 13 1/4 lengths before Schylers Gold bolted up three races later for owner Ryan Lala Maharaj who is now a trainer in the United States of America.
At his death, he had two horses in his name Tiz Show Time and Guns N Roses which he bred.
Dube's gift to himself and racing fans was when The Big Things destroyed the opposition and Dube told everyone who would listen at Santa Rosa Park in Arima that Schylers Gold was going to win and give him a double. Schylers Gold did the business easily and Dube became the the hero of Santa Rosa Park.
Dube said then, “This is the best training feat that I have had in my career.
Robert Bernard, president of the Arima Race Club (ARC), was quoted as saying: "That’s another blow for racing. He was a trainer for years. He didn’t have a very big stable. We are all saddened by his passing.Any departure of our colleagues is a sad thing for the industry.”
Racehorse Trainers Association president, Glen Mohammed commented,"It is unfortunate that he lost his life through COVID-19. He has contributed to the politics in our country in a humble way. He was always smiling and helpful to all he came in contact with and with his small stable he did a wonderful job.
"For the year, he had two horses in training. He was well liked and respected and his he helped in education. If someone in the racing circle had a problem, especially transfers, he would go out of his was to help. He helped many people along the way.
"May he rest in peace."