Royal St. Lucia Turf Club, A Dream Come True

[Wandering Eyes]

VIEUX FORT, ST. LUCIA–Every great accomplishment starts with one person and a dream. That is exactly the case of the Royal St. Lucia Turf Club, which opened its doors Friday to a crowd of over 5,000 from around the world on a picture-perfect day.

The Caribbean nation’s first ever racetrack was the lifelong dream of local horseman Winston Trim, who persevered for decades to bring an international horse racing facility to his country. Unfortunately, Trim passed away in March of 2017, so he was not on hand Friday to see his dream come to life, but he was represented by his family, who were filled with pride and awe at Trim’s accomplishment.

“It started with him,” St. Lucia’s Prime Minister Allen Chastenat said. “Winston is the consummate St. Lucian. He had a dream and despite many years of people telling him it couldn’t happen, he reached out to Teo Ah Khing. He didn’t wait for the government and when it didn’t work the first time around, he continued to persevere I know he was here in spirit today. We had a race named after him and I know there are plan afoot to make sure he is never forgotten.”

The atmosphere was electric from the moment the gates opened with patrons filling the entire racetrack from the party green to the Apron Marquee. The VIP area was filled with many familiar faces from American racing, such as Kenny Troutt and Elliott Walden of WinStar, Frank Taylor of Taylor Made, Dan Schafer, Brandon and Ali Rice of RiceHorse Stables and Tom Ventura and Tod Wojciechowski of OBS. Members of the Caribbean racing fraternity, such as Barbados Turf Club CEO Rosette Pierce, were also out in full force to support St. Lucia.

A team of top stewards from Trinidad, led by the RSLTC’s Chief Integrity Officer David Loregnard, oversaw the day’s events with all four races going off without a hitch. The trainers came from across the Caribbean and as far as China, as did the jockeys.

The day’s races were kicked off with the Helen of the West Indies S., which was comprised of 3-year-old maidens. Each owner who bought a slot for Friday’s main event, the Pitons Cup, was gifted a horse for the opening race with hopes they would continue to race the horse in St. Lucia. The event was won by Reef Cup, a son of Twirling Candy, who was representing Fasig-Tipton and Meg Levy’s Bluewater Sales.

Next up was the Keeneland National Day Sprint, which was a mix of 3-year-old maidens and more accomplished older horses. It was a maiden that won it, and won impressively at that, in Turvey Act (Orb). The sophomore was calm as could be in the paddock but was too much for the rest of the field to handle on the racetrack. I must tip my hat to Ali Rice, who assured me the horse would win for fun. She would know as she and her husband Brandon trained these horses for a year before their arrival on the island in October.

The third race of the day was one of great significance to many in attendance (myself included) as it was named in honor of a man who was larger than life. Coincidentally, the Winston Trim Memorial Trophy was won by a native St. Lucian and longtime friend of Trim’s Daniel Belizarie with Senor Guitar (Star Guitar).

“It means more to me to win this race than any other race that happened today because Winston Trim was a good friend of mine,” Belizarie said. “He came to me many, many years ago wanting assistance to open some doors. Winning that trophy for Winston on this memorial occasion meant everything to me.”

The trophy was presented by Trim’s son Winston Trim, Jr., who traveled from New York with his wife Soraya Trim to represent his father on this momentous occasion. Also in attendance was Trim’s mother Donita Trim, sister Cecelia Trim and brother Kirley Trim.

“I am truly honored to be here representing my dad and my family,” Winston Trim, Jr. said. “I hope St. Lucia will continue to honor my father and his vision. I hope other can learn from my dad never to give up on your dreams. May he always be remembered.”

The highlight of the opening day card was the $150,000 Pitons Cup, which was won by the 4-year-old filly Casting Crowns (Warrior’s Reward), carrying the colors of Taylor Made Farm. Frank Taylor was smiling ear to ear as he led the filly into the winner’s circle and when asked if he would be back next year, he said, “I may just stay! I love it here. The weather is wonderful and the people are great.”

After leaving the winner’s circle for the post-race media conference, Taylor said, “The experience was mind blowing. It was a lot of fun. Great hospitality from everyone from the day we arrived. The facilities are very well done. It is very hard to produce something like this first time without any flaws and I didn’t see any major flaws. We are blessed to draw the right horse and win the race.”

As a writer for the TDN, I have been to many top racetracks and premiere racing events, such as the Breeders’ Cup, GI Belmont S. and GI Travers S., but this was one of the most memorable racing events I have ever attended. To witness the very first day of racing on an island full of kind, welcoming people with a true love for horses was nothing short of amazing.

On a personal note, I was just in awe. I was lucky enough to call Winston Trim family and I know how long and how hard he worked for this moment to bring racing, and all of the jobs and other industry that would come with it, to his country. Winston’s dream was not a selfish one. It was about helping his island and its people and bringing them forward, providing them with a brighter future than they could imagine.

No matter how many times he was told no, Winston persevered. He found a new route, tried a new tactic and kept pushing forward. He refused to take no for an answer and it may have taken him 30 years, but because he never gave up, his dream is now a reality and is even bigger than he originally hoped for. I am beyond proud to call Winston my uncle and of this amazing new racing venue that I will visit regularly all because of one man with a dream and endless determination. I hope those in attendance Friday and all those who read this article are inspired by Winston to go after their dreams with everything they have because you never know what you can accomplish if you try hard enough.

 

The post Royal St. Lucia Turf Club, A Dream Come True appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

View the full article