Jockeys Ashok Kumar and Ganesh win a double each

Bernard PERERA in Tissamaharama

The Horse Race meet which was held as part of the Carlton Super Cross 2009 concluded at the track on Friday here in Tissamaharama. Jockeys S. Ashok Kumar and K.Ganesh did well to win a double each on this day. Meanwhile Ravi Jayasinghe became the only owner to have a double on this day.

S. Ashok Kumar was declared as the best jockey while S. V. Mathi as the best Trainer carried away the respective awards.

The meet was conducted under the guidance of Suranjith Premadasa who has taken great pains in organising this meet in the Southern Province for the third successive year.

The highlight of the meet was the entry of horses from St. Thomas' College, Gurutalawa, trained by Sampath Keerthi who also trains schoolboys in riding horses. The horse 'Scooby Doo' from St. Thomas' College went on to win the Rupavahini Cup.

The Warden Jack Hubert speaking said this is the first time they entered a race meet. We have around fifty schoolboys in the riding school. The boys will not be permitted to enter competitive racing right now but hope to see them ride in the future. The boys who attend these classes lack the funds needed for their expenses as they are from rural areas but are really interested he said.

He said that this is a sport that can teach the youngsters to love animals which is a must for this sport. The students who have taken to this sport will be good citizens in the future said the warden.

Results Jayawiru Cup - Thoroughbred Cup 1. Concur (M. Punitharaj), 2. Lady Regina, 3. Fire Cracker.

Bank of Ceylon Cup - 4/3 Bred 1. Prince of South (S. Ashok Kumar), 2. Lightning, 3. Touch of Life.

Mobitel Cup - (Half bred) 1. Hills of Aron (S. Ashok Kumar), 2. Born Free, 3. Siga.

Rupavahini Cup - (Half bred) 1. Scooby Doo (C. Jayalath)lr, 2. Re Birth, 3. Smart Chieftan.

Lankadeepa Cup - (Thoroughbred) 1. Young Eagle (K. Ganesh), 2. Fire Cracker, 3. Be Busy.

National Lotteries Board Cup - (Half bred) 1. Millennium Baby (T. Suresh), 2. Hills of Aron, 3. Scooby Doo.

Open Race - (Thoroughbred) 1. Star Class (K. Ganesh), 2. Perfect Placement, 3. Concurt.