Santa Rosa Park in Arima prepares for a monumental conclusion to Trinidad and Tobago’s 2025 racing season with a high-stakes Boxing Day card that blends local prestige with Caribbean racing excellence. The spotlight shines brightest on the $110,000 Gold Cup (Grade I), where the phenomenal five-year-old Hello World attempts to secure an unprecedented third consecutive victory in the 2,000-meter endurance test – a feat unmatched since the legendary Airofaith accomplished the triple crown in 1958.
Trained by dominant conditioner John O’Brien, Hello World carries the top weight of 57.0kg under jockey Dillon Khelawan as he seeks to cement his legacy alongside racing immortals. The Poon Tip Stud Farm-owned champion brings a remarkable 12-race winning streak into the competition, though he faces formidable challenges from within his own stable and beyond.
O’Brien fields a powerful trio including the promising US import The Goddess Nike, who at 54.0kg presents a significant threat with her weight advantage under rider Ridge Balgobin. The American-bred filly could exploit her lighter assignment in the demanding stretch run. Further competition emerges from trainer Jonathan Lyder’s El Chico Malo, piloted by Jovika Boodram at equal weight to the favorite.
The seven-horse field promises strategic complexity, with pace scenarios potentially favoring US-bred contenders Sneaky Cheeky and Striking Chrome if early fractions prove conservative.
Beyond the headline event, the card features distinctive Caribbean flavor with the simulcast of Jamaica’s prestigious 113th Wayne DaCosta OD for two-year-olds. This historic 1,600-meter juvenile contest honors the 18-time champion trainer and showcases Jamaica’s emerging talent, including top mounts ridden by renowned jockeys Dane Nelson and Shane Ellis.
Local racing’s future likewise takes center stage with the Grade II Juvenile Championships at 2:00 PM, featuring six promising contenders including O’Brien’s Sweet Bird and the Dillon Khelawan-mounted Dream Maker. The racing program commences at 12:30 PM, offering enthusiasts a full day of world-class thoroughbred competition.