Orville Clarke, Sunday Gleaner Writer

The American 5-y-o mare GO GO YVONNE snapped the winning streak of fellow importee EL PODEROSO to score an upset victory in the open allowance feature over 1500 metres at Caymanas Park yesterday.

Offering odds of 11-1 with champion apprentice Shamaree Muir riding for trainer Spencer Chung and owners Lakeland Farms Limited, GO GO YVONNE came from last to first in the six-strong field, scoring by two lengths from the late-closing SWEET TRAIL (3-1) who got up in the nick of time to relegate the well-backed CLASSY PROSPECT (5-2) to third.

EL PODEROSO, who finished fourth as the howling 1-2 favourite, failed in his bid to win his fifth consecutive race for 14-time champion trainer Philip Feanny, but was unable to lead unmolested under leading all-time jockey Winston Griffiths and this proved his downfall.

In fact, EL PODEROSO coming from the number one post position, led under pressure from CLASSY PROSPECT passing the half mile at which stage GO GO YVONNE was held off the early pace in fifth. But by the time they galloped towards the home turn, GO GO YVONNE had made good headway on the inside. Making a ground-saving run into the straight, she quickly disposed of EL PODEROSO for a decisive victory.

She duly made it two in a row, having won the Gladiator Trophy over 1400 metres on November 28 with young Muir in the saddle.

GO GO YVONNE was one of three outsiders to score on what turned out to be a tough day for punters. The others were the Maurice Crooks-owned and trained MAYBE I SAY SO at 18-1 under Richard 'Bya' Mitchell in the fourth race and George Robb-trained LITTLE CHUPS at 24-1 with apprentice Davidan Robinson in the sixth race for $180,000 claimers.

health fair

On a day when apprentice Prince 'Daggerman' Holder and champion trainer Wayne DaCosta had two winners each, the day's racing facilitated a Jamaica Racing Commission/Sagicor-sponsored health fair from 10: 00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the official car park

The fair provided free HIV, blood pressure and cholesterol tests, among others, while racing fans who so desired were treated to a free hair cut, manicure and facial.

Associate sponsors were the National Health Fund, Children First Agency and the City of Kingston Credit Union.