Chatrie stars with three-timer

Orville Clarke, Gleaner Writer

Title-chasing apprentice Aaron 'The Iceman' Chatrie marked his 50th winner of the season at Caymanas Park yesterday, thanks to a sparkling three-timer on the nine-race programme.

His winners were LADY GORAKPHUR at 9/51 in the opening race over 1820 metres; THE REAL MINISTER at 5-1 in the third over the round five course for native and imported three-year-olds; and THE BEST MAN at 6-1 for trainer Kingsley Davis in the fifth race over 1200 metres for the Ossie Steele Memorial Cup (claiming $450,000-$400,000).

Both the Morris Powell-trained LADY GORAKHPUR and THE REAL MINISTER, from the stables of in-form trainer Anthony 'Baba' Nunes, were produced very late to win their respective races in driving finishes.

THE BEST MAN, however, chased hat-trick seeker and 2-5 favourite SHE'S MAGIC at close range and successfully challenged a furlong out to beat her by 1 1/4 lengths in a field of six.

Chatrie is now a clear second to champion and leading jockey, Omar Walker (65 wins), who failed to ride a winner on the card.

Despite being 15 adrift of Walker, Chatrie said if he maintains his current form, a new champion will be crowned this year.

"I know I have the champion apprentice title in the bag already, but my main objective is to dethrone Walker for the jockeys' championship," said the 22-year-old apprentice, who was notching his second triple this month.

"If I can stay out of trouble with the stewards and maintain my good riding form I could do it. Of course, it will depend on the support of trainers, but if I continue to ride well, the good rides will come," added Chatrie, a past student of Greater Portmore High.

Jockey injured in spill

Chatrie, who started riding as a Jockeys' School graduate on Wednesday, September 2 last year and won aboard his first ride, highly fancied STEEL DE CAT for trainer Carl Anderson that day, has so far ridden 56 winners - nine less than his batchmate, Doushane Gordon, who leads the overall apprentice standings with 65 career wins.

Meanwhile, fellow apprentice Kareem Richardson-Garvey, who rode RINALI in the second race over 1300 metres, was seriously injured in a spill approaching the half-mile and had to be rushed to the University Hospital of the West Indies for medical attention.

RINALI fell while disputing the lead and Garvey was kicked in the head by one of the horses coming from behind.

The race was won by the 3-5 favourite, LOVER GIRL, ridden by in-form female apprentice Georgina Sergeon, her 18th career win.