Several newly imported thoroughbreds are expected to debut when the Antigua Turf Club (ATC) hosts its first meet for 2017 on February 5 at the Cassada Gardens Race Track.
This is according to President of the Turf Club Neil Cochrane who said four new horses in Scrumpum, Da Serpent, Sexy Cuba and Silly Mid-off are all on island with more expected shortly.
“These are champion horses that have been imported. These horses have been racing in the BVI, between the USVI and the BVI. They were champions in those particular countries but they have now been sent to Antigua to do the job and I understand that once they are going to race, all the people from the BVI who have been helping them before are coming over to make sure that they give a helping hand to do the job,” he said.
Racing is set to return to Cassada Gardens following a long layoff with the last meet held on October 30 last year.
Attempts to host recent meets have been hampered by unpredictable weather and poor track conditions.
Cochrane assures however that the importation of the new horses signifies the start of things to come in 2017.
“Two of them may be ready to go in the races on Sunday as well so that’s going to make seven horses to the field, seven new horses to the pool and thereafter, another three or so will land so I am telling you that 2017 is going to be a fantastic year. February 5 is going to be the start, the 19th is going to be the spark,” the turf boss said.
Following Sunday’s showdown at the Gardens, the Antigua Turf Club will host a second meet on February 19.