Guyana Cup horse Meet on August 13: Bossalina ready for rematch with Alado

Bossalina came within a neck of creating one of the biggest upsets in local horse-racing on Sunday at the Port Mourant Turf Club(PMTC), going under by a neck to the undefeated Alado in the $3.9 million Shivtahal Cup run over eight furlongs. A rematch between these two excellent horses is expected when the Guyana Cup meet is held on August 13.
Alado, winner of the Guyana Cup and President’s Cup, is owned by Master Z Racing Stables and was ridden by Colin Ross for trainer Nasrudeen Mohamed jr. He won by a neck from Bossalina and Queen Domina in the sixth race of the seven-race card, which was the second race day of the season at PMTC.
Guyana Times had a telephone conversation with Bossalina’s owner/trainer Deleep Esreepersaud on Monday about the improved run from the daughter of Street Boss/Headmistress. He also spoke about his involvement in the sport, and the purchase of Bossalina
“I was confident of her running a very big race, and that is why I nominated her for the Guyana Cup very early. I grew up as a little boy in horse racing when it was held in Durban Park in the city. As we say in horse racing, I have the pedigree; my grandfather and father were involved in the sport. I had a very good feeling about her before I bought her.”
About the horses owned, he explained, “My uncle had Empire Victory and Happy Landing, which was a top horse amongst horses like Citation owned by Uncle Bula’s (Fazal Habibulla) family, and Mr Crawford, who had good horses then; and we had plenty lower-class horses.”
Esreepersaud, who said he migrated in 2000, recalled, “I had Firefox, Theerr, and Revolver, but racing was not as grand as when it was held in Durban Park. In those days we had back-to-back race days, and horses ran four times in two days, winning at least three of their races.”

Recounting how he purchased Bossalina, Eseepersaud said, “Stuart Gonzalves had some Canadian-bred horses for sale. He wasn’t selling, but I went and took a look at them. I like the breeding of Bossalina. So, I went to find out the price, which was high. I struck a deal with Stuart, and I bought her on installments.”
Regarding the running of the race, he admitted, “The jockey (Lil Paul) did not ride to instructions. She wasn’t supposed to be on the lead. However, we could only give instructions, but when the gates fly, the jockey is in charge. I am happy with how she ran, and will not be doing anything different heading into the Guyana Cup. She came out the race ready for battle again.”
On the upliftment of the sport, Esreepersaud raised a couple of concerns about the proverbial sport of kings, and suggested what needs to be addressed. “I am asking Promoters to cater for the horses coming to compete. It took me two hours to reach to the track at Port Mourant. We are an improving country, and proper stabling has to be a priority. And it’s not Port Mourant only; all the race tracks.”
Reached on the concerns, Track owner Fazal Habibulla responded, “I agree with horse owners on that topic. We need to address trainer/ owners’ concerns. It is they who keep racing going. It will be discussed, I assure all owners and trainers. Yes, we have the facilities, but definitely we need more stables for horses coming to compete.”
Esreepersaud also observed, “The prize moneys for the small owners need to be better, and they should have a position in racing. The promoters could have a race for the small man whose horses never earned any money. This will prevent them from getting rid of their horses. Give them a chance and write some races for them to have a chance to win on the big days also. That will encourage owners. Right now, the small man feel like they left out. The problem is not getting the right people, it’s doing the right thing for everybody.”
About a rematch with Alado, he remarked, “I am ready. Hope Junior do not have any excuse.”