“JUSTIFY ‘phenomenal’ one day after winning Kentucky Derby” read the headline from brisnet.com.
Justify’s victory is significant given his affiliation to one Teo Ah King — and Prime Minister Allen Chastanet could not be happier.
“Yesterday I was pleased to witness the 144th Run for the Roses (Kentucky Derby)” the Prime Minister wrote (via Facebook.) After which he pointed that the winner ‘Justify’ is “owned by Teo Ah King and the China Horse Club.”
The Kentucky Derby and horse racing in general has enjoyed a recent resurgence in the sporting world, ever since American Pharaoh won the Triple Crown in 2015.
Interestingly enough, a cbssports.com headline read like this: “Can Justify join elite list of 12 horses after Kentucky Derby win?” — a headline every Kentucky Derby winner is subject to, especially since American Pharaoh’s historic victory.
If Justify goes on to win the Triple Crown as American Pharaoh did three years ago, then this sort of good news could not come at a better time for PM Chastanet and his administration.
Chastanet, pointing out the possible significance of this win by Ah King’s horse for St. Lucia, had this to say as well via the same Facebook post: “The crowd was the eighth largest turnout in the history of the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs at approximately 157,813; that’s almost the population of Saint Lucia!”
He also went on to point out the potential financial benefits to St. Lucia, if the country were to host a similar horseracing event.
“The total wagering from all-sources totaled $225.7 million on Derby Day, yesterday. Victory earned Justify $1,432,000 ($1.4 million).” The Prime Minister stated.
Of course America’s Triple Crown is the best and biggest horseracing has to offer and the turnout numbers and wagering amounts swell accordingly.
However, it is undeniable that the amount of attention and money horseracing could potentially bring is quite staggering.
The Prime Minister concluded his online message by intimating that these are the sorts of things St. Lucians can look forward to next year onward.
“Since the appearance of China Horse Club on the racing scene, they have registered success after success. I am excited at the possibilities for Saint Lucia, as we anticipate the first race in February next year.” Chastanet said.
