A PLUMMER’S DOUBLE
TRAINER Donovan Plummer had the distinction of saddling the first two winners on the 10-race card on Saturday last (January 19, 2019) at Caymanas Park. To make the day even more memorable for Plummer, he finished first and second in the second race.
AFTER a very disappointing season for him last year, owner and trainer Donovan Plummer is now aiming for a better season in 2019 even with his small string of horses.
In 2016, Plummer won a total of 13 races from 191 starts which placed him in the top 15 on the trainers’ list.
In 2017, Plummer again won a total of 13 races from 225 starts and this time he was tied based on winners with Fitzroy Glispie for 10th spot.
In 2018, the promising conditioner lost a bit of form and could only manage eight winners from a total of 209 starts but with a bright start to his new campaign, Plummer is anticipating a better run this year.
On Saturday last, Plummer made a major step in this direction when he saddled the first double on the 10-race programme.
General Mubaraak won the first race and Quora landed the second. What made the double even more special was the fact that Estalita, also owned and trained by Plummer finished second behind Quora, to give the trainer the rare achievement of a one-two finish in the same race.
“To be honest, it is a very good feeling to take the first race double on the card with General Mubaraak and Quora as they ran very well to win their respective races.
“I mean, I have always been working hard for results like these and so for it to have happened, I am grateful and thank God for keeping me in the business of horse racing as I have worked hard. The hard work has been paying off and I am grateful.
“Last season was a disappointment. It was disappointing for me but that is behind me now and my focus in on this year. I am working very hard to make this year a more successful year for me,” Plummer said with conviction in his voice.
With the bright start, Plummer said that he is working towards a top 10 finish in the trainer’s championship.
“I have finished among the top trainers two out of the last three years and I was down the track last year, so I am working on changing that disappointing finish last year into a better 2019. I have a target and goal that I am aiming for this year as I want to finish in the top 10, said Plummer.
Ridden by apprentice Kiaman Mcgregor, General Mubaraak (Storm Craft – Kameel) with the visor on won a maiden condition race for native-bred fiveyear-olds and upward over 7 furlongs (1,400m) by 1 ½ as the 6-5 favourite. He won ahead of Makhi and Evasive Action in a time of 1:31.1.
“This horse is very consistent, running some close seconds and thirds and not winning. But today (Saturday) he got his head in front and I am happy with the win,” Plummer said.
Quora (Zahaazeh – Gros Ventres), under Shane Ellis, won by 1 ¼ in a maiden condition race for native-bred fouryear-olds and upward over a mile (1,600m). The chestnut filly beat stable companion Estalita and Lambana in a time of 1:44.3 behind splits of 25.0, 48.3 and 1:14.2.
“Quora, she has been knocking at the door for some time now plus the field got cheaper and she made amends,” informed Plummer.