Good Prospecting to be retired ‘gratefully’- Lesmore Smith
Considered a horse to never count out of a race, Good Prospecting did his share of lifting Virgin Islands horse racing pride and especially so when he won the Governor’s Cup back to back in 2011 and 2012.
Already past his prime, a three-peat yesterday would have definitely been too much to ask for but nevertheless Good Prospecting bowed out fittingly in the race that also brought him much success and respect- the Governor’s Cup. The horse, owned and trained by Lesmore Smith, trailed in last behind Really Uptown, Bud White and Slevin.
“I tried to get him into the race for good sportsmanship but unfortunately he didn’t deliver the way we wanted to. He was breaking and was going to be retired as I said so that’s it.”
Good Prospecting is the 4th horse to have won the Governor’s Cup consecutively. No horse has ever 3-peated.
“I am still proud of him and I am going to retire him gratefully,” Mr Smith told Virgin Islands News Online.
He also used the opportunity to extend congratulations to Mrs Violet ‘Letty’ Hodge and team of L&B Stables for the victory. “I wish them all the best going forward, however, we all have to regroup and come to beat Really Uptown.”
Mrs Hodge could not be reached for comment but one thing is for sure is that the victory would have been very special for her and L&B Stables since it was their first Governor’s Cup win, even though they are the owners of the legendary Actspectation.
Really Uptown, the 'New Kid on the Block'
Really Uptown is also the first horse to win the Triple Crown and the Governor's Cup, achieving the feat in the same year.
It was a tougher race than expected by some, however, as Bud White put up a strong fight coming back from injury. Really Uptown had entered the race undefeated since last July when Bud White beat him at the St. John Festival Race and St Thomas horse racing fans were given much hope yesterday when Bud White refused to allow Really Uptown to break away, however, Really Uptown had enough to take the win and ensure the Governor’s Cup is returned to Tortola, Virgin islands.
Slevin of St. Croix came in third while two-time champion Good Prospecting never found its stride.
The Governor’s Cup race was ran over 1-mile, 70-yards and saw a $20,000 pay day for L&B Stables, thanks....again to Really Uptown.
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21 Responses to “Good Prospecting to be retired ‘gratefully’- Lesmore Smith”
@Virgin Gorda you need to read before you type. The horse was injured for a while and that cri...m...l still entered the horse to run in the governors cup. he knew the horse was in no condition to run. He right that he retiring him gratefully because he got his money worth off the horse.
shut up and stick to the topic dumb r@$Z talking bout all kinda thing when the topic is horse race...yaaawn