In a dramatic showcase of horseracing excellence, the 2025 local racing season approached its conclusion with the Stewards Cup at Santa Rosa Park in Arima on December 6. The grade one feature event, contested on a wet but rapid main track, unfolded as a captivating battle among five elite thoroughbreds racing over 1,200 meters.
The competition, open to West Indian-bred three-year-olds and above plus imported two-year-olds and older horses, began with an even break when starter Wayne Campbell dispatched the field at 3:57 PM. Early positioning saw Hello World and stablemate Headliner establishing dominance at the 1,100-meter mark, with Hello World securing a slight advantage by the 800-meter pole.
The race dynamics shifted dramatically as filly Sneaky Cheeky mounted a formidable challenge from fourth position, systematically overtaking competitors approaching the 600-meter marker. By the 400-meter point, Sneaky Cheeky had captured second place, though favorite Hello World had simultaneously extended his lead to two lengths.
As the field turned toward the final stretch, Hello World maintained a commanding advantage while the battle for second intensified dramatically. In a stunning development, Headliner discovered extraordinary late-race speed, reclaiming second position with just 200 meters remaining and launching a serious challenge against his stablemate for the lead.
Champion jockey Dillon Khelawan, recognizing the imminent threat, expertly urged Hello World to produce one final burst of effort, securing both the victory and the $42,435 prize. The win highlighted an exceptional day for Khelawan, who achieved four victories, while jockey Andrew Poon recorded a double. Champion trainer John O’Brien dominated the training ranks with three winners, with trainers Ramesh Ramroop, Glenn Mendez, and Johnathan Lyder each saddling one victorious horse.
Racing action will continue on December 26 with the prestigious Gold Cup as the centerpiece event, contested over 2,000 meters on the main track. The co-feature will be the Juvenile Championship, a grade-two race covering 1,200 meters on the same course.