44924438-295Spectators who thronged the Accra Turf Club last Saturday to witness the second day of the October Race Meetings had a lot to cheer about.

They did not only celebrate new set of winners in the four races featured on the day but also had a lot to argue about for the dramatic way the winners emerged.

It was less fancied Daniel Abekah who became the hero of the day when he defied all odds to win the division 3B race by beating favourite jockey Joseph Lamptey (Mr K) who eventually placed third in the race.

Mr K’s defeat sparked arguments among some fans who believed there was foul play, saying jockey Daniel Abekah (General Salute) and Ebenezer Charwey (Sly Mongoose) who finished first and second respectively in the 3B event teamed up to lock their contender in the inside rail to deny him victory.

All the horses had a good start but a few metres ahead, Mr K, General Salute and Sly Mongoose increased their speed, leaving the others to trail them. The three leaders continued the challenge, overtaking each other and drawing level at certain points.

However, at about 300 metres to finish, there was a near scuffle among the riders, which some supporters believed was planned, as General Salute went right to the front and never looked back, skipping his way to a half-length victory in a time of 1:40 seconds over six furlongs.

In a post-race interview, an elated jockey Abekah said “I am experienced in this game I don’t need to cheat to win. I am surprised they are saying that we blocked Nii Lamptey (General Salute) in the rail. He just found himself between the two of us at that time and there was no way anyone will give him space to pass because it is a competition”.

Other winners for the day were S.T. Madu who rode Sea Never Dry to finish first in the Division 4A race within 1:27 seconds and Benjamin Kotey (IKaida) who took the ultimate in the maidens’ event in a time of 1:48 seconds over a distance of 1,200 metres.

Source: graphic.com.gh