The 2025 National Open Short Course Championships concluded with a spectacular display of talent at the National Aquatic Centre in Balmain, Couva, on November 16. Among the standout performers were Wyatt Harrison and Serenity Pantin, who dominated their respective events in the 10-and-Under category. Harrison, representing Blue Dolphins, secured victories in the 200m individual medley (2:44.81), 100m backstroke (1:17.15), and 50m butterfly (31.97). His consistent performance earned him 70 points, narrowly trailing Pantin, who amassed 74 points. Pantin, from Bluefins Aquatics, triumphed in the girls’ 200m individual medley (2:53.04), 50m butterfly (33.84), and 50m freestyle (30.31). Chloe-Mari Julien of Marlins also made waves, breaking multiple records in the girls’ 10-and-Under age group despite not clinching the top spot. Marlins emerged as the leading club with 462 points, followed by RWB Aquatic Academy (367) and Flying Fish (156). The event also highlighted the achievements of other top swimmers, including Marena Martinez, Isaiah Alexander, Anaadi Pooran, and John Procope, who recently made headlines for his ambitious swim around Tobago.
分类： sports
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RISE UP!
As the clock ticks down to the decisive match of the Concacaf World Cup qualifiers, all eyes are on Steve McClaren and the Jamaican national team. Appointed as head coach in August 2024, McClaren’s primary mission was to secure Jamaica’s spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Tonight, at 8:00 pm at the National Stadium, the Reggae Boyz face Curacao in a high-stakes encounter where only a victory will guarantee their qualification. Jamaica currently sits second in Group B with 10 points, trailing unbeaten Curacao by a single point.
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A coach is a team’s first psychologist
The decision by Cricket West Indies (CWI) to introduce a mental skills and performance coach for the senior men’s cricket team has sparked considerable debate. Critics argue that cricket, inherently a psychological game, relies on players’ temperament, passion, and enthusiasm, which are best nurtured by a coach with deep cricketing experience. The move was recommended by CWI’s Cricket Strategy and Officiating Committee, established in August following the team’s dismal performance against Australia, where they were bowled out for just 27 runs in Kingston. The committee includes cricket legends Clive Lloyd and Brian Lara, the latter being the first West Indies captain to lose all five Test matches in a single series during the 1998/99 tour of South Africa. Critics question the assumption that top international cricketers automatically make effective coaches, citing the challenges of transitioning from playing to coaching. While former players like Sir Vivian Richards have struggled in coaching roles, they can still offer valuable mentorship. CWI’s Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, defends the decision, emphasizing the importance of mindset and composure at the elite level. However, skeptics argue that a single, well-qualified coach should suffice, questioning the need for additional handlers and the associated costs. The effectiveness of this strategy remains to be seen, as the team’s performance under the current administration continues to be scrutinized.
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CLAIMS MADE ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2025
The racing world witnessed a series of high-profile horse claims across multiple races, with trainers making strategic moves to strengthen their stables. In Race One, trainer Michael Thomas secured horse #3, XY Soul, for owner Errol Dixon from trainer Donovan Russell in a $200,000 deal. Race Two saw trainer Winston McIntosh claim horse #4, Little Grovy Thing, for himself from Norman Smith for $350,000, while Byron Davis acquired horse #9, Jon P, from Donovan Plummer for the same amount. Race Six was marked by even more significant transactions, with Fernando Geddes claiming horse #1, Pappie Don, from Gregg Fennell for $700,000. Adrian Prince secured horse #3, Lucy In The Sky, from Patrick Taylor for the same price, and Joseph Thomas claimed horse #5, She’s MyHedgefund, for Beresford Broadbell from Gresford Smith in another $700,000 deal. These high-stakes claims highlight the competitive nature of the sport and the strategic investments trainers are making to gain an edge.
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Yorke: I take full responsibilty for the team
Trinidad and Tobago’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup were extinguished after a 1-1 draw with Jamaica at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on November 13. Head coach Dwight Yorke, who took charge in November 2024 with the ambitious goal of leading the team to the World Cup, has shouldered full responsibility for the outcome. Despite the disappointment, Yorke expressed pride in his players’ efforts and the progress made during his tenure. He acknowledged that the team’s inability to secure more victories, particularly in crucial matches, ultimately cost them a spot in the tournament. Yorke emphasized his commitment to self-reflection and improvement, stating, ‘I always look at myself first rather than pointing fingers at anyone else.’ The former Manchester United star also highlighted the emergence of a new generation of players, many of whom were recruited from abroad and have quickly integrated into the squad. As Trinidad and Tobago prepares to face Bermuda in a match for pride on November 18, Yorke remains focused on maintaining high standards and motivating his team. He assured fans that the squad is ready to compete, despite the recent setback. The match against Bermuda will serve as an opportunity for the team to showcase their resilience and determination as they look ahead to future campaigns.
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Formalist shines in debut victory
In a stunning debut, Formalist, a three-year-old chestnut colt, claimed a decisive victory in the $1.05-million Maiden Condition Race at Caymanas Park on Saturday, November 15, 2025. Under the guidance of trainer Jason DaCosta and jockey Robert Halledeen, Formalist showcased exceptional speed and strategy, leading the race from start to finish. He crossed the finish line an impressive 6 ¼ lengths ahead of his competitors, completing the 5-furlong (1,000m) straight in a swift 1:00.0 (24.2 x 47.1).
Formalist, sired by Bold Conquest and out of Miss Formality, demonstrated remarkable pacing and acceleration. After a strong start, he maintained his position with the pack before making a decisive move past the dummy rails. From there, he surged ahead, leaving rivals Nebuchadnezzar and Feeling Free to secure second and third places, respectively. This commanding performance marks Formalist as a rising star in the racing world, with a bright future ahead.
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Curacao believe in World Cup dream — Martina
As the Concacaf World Cup Qualifying reaches its climax, all eyes are on the National Stadium in Kingston, where Jamaica and Curacao will clash in a high-stakes match tonight at 8:00 pm. While Jamaica aims to secure their spot in the FIFA World Cup, Curacao stands on the brink of making history. With 11 points in Group B, Curacao leads Jamaica by a single point and needs just a draw to qualify for their first-ever World Cup appearance. This would mark a monumental achievement for the small island nation of 155,000 people, potentially becoming the smallest country to ever qualify for the tournament. Curacao Football Federation President Gilbert Martina expressed his pride in the team’s journey, describing it as “a divine journey” filled with unexpected triumphs. Despite the absence of Head Coach Dick Advocaat, who returned to the Netherlands due to a family emergency, Martina believes the team’s motivation has only intensified. “They’re not only playing for the country, they’re also playing for the coach and his family,” he said. Curacao’s players, many of whom have experience in high-pressure matches across Europe, are expected to remain unfazed by the hostile atmosphere of over 30,000 Jamaican fans. Martina emphasized the significance of this potential qualification, stating it would inspire the island’s youth and prove that even a small nation can achieve big dreams. “The young ones don’t have to look up to Neymar or Messi anymore—they have their own heroes now,” he added. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with Curacao’s historic aspirations hanging in the balance.
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RACE DAY REVIEW FOR SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2025
The recent horse racing event in Jamaica was a spectacular showcase of talent, strategy, and determination, with several notable performances from jockeys and trainers alike. Ryan Darby, a second-generation trainer, made a strong impression with two victories. His first win came with Donalmighty, a 3-1 bet, which finished two lengths ahead in the five-and-a-half furlong opener. Darby’s second triumph was with Green Gold Rush, ridden by jockey Tevin Foster, who secured a win by just over two lengths in the seven-furlong race.
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Nelson rides Computer Hacker to first Woodbine win
Dane Nelson, a celebrated four-time Jamaican champion jockey, marked a significant milestone in his career by securing his first victory at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto, Canada. The triumph occurred on Friday, November 14, 2025, in the third race, a CAN$26,200 Claiming event spanning seven furlongs. Nelson rode the four-year-old bay gelding, Computer Hacker, trained by Kerron Palmer, to a decisive win by a length and a half, clocking in at 1:25.0 (23.2 x 47.0 x 1:12.0).
Nelson, visibly elated, expressed his gratitude towards his team and supporters. ‘It’s a really good feeling winning a race here,’ he remarked. ‘The experience and the exposure are great, and I am really happy. Thanks to the connections and the support from everyone,’ he added.
Computer Hacker, with odds of 9-2, demonstrated exceptional performance from the start, breaking well and swiftly taking the lead outside the chute. By the halfway point, the gelding had extended his lead and continued to dominate on the final turn. Nelson’s steady guidance ensured Computer Hacker responded effectively when needed, securing a comfortable victory.
Sparklet, the 6-5 favorite ridden by Xarel Forde, finished in second place, while The New Maybe, under Austin Adams, took third.
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South premier teams run riot in Intercol zonal ‘quarters’
In a spectacular display of skill and dominance, Naparima College delivered a crushing 15-0 victory over Rio Claro West in the Coca-Cola Intercol south zone quarter-finals on November 17. The match, held at Lewis Street in San Fernando, saw Ryan Radellant emerge as the star player, scoring five goals and leading his team to their biggest win of the season. Radellant opened the scoring in the fourth minute and continued his relentless performance with goals in the 32nd, 46th, 50th, and 66th minutes. His teammates Mikhael Bullock, Elijah Edwards, Jayden Caprietta, Darius Procope, Shabani Thompson, and Xarion France also contributed to the overwhelming scoreline, securing an 8-0 lead by halftime. The second half saw Seth Eve, Riquelme Phillips, France, and Procope adding to the tally, completing the historic victory. Meanwhile, defending champions St Benedict’s College advanced to the semi-finals with a 7-0 win over Siparia West, and Presentation College San Fernando triumphed 16-0 against Point Fortin Secondary. In the north zone, St George’s College edged Trinity East 4-3 on penalties, while Malick narrowly defeated Trinity Moka 1-0. Last year’s SSFL premiership winners Fatima also progressed with a 3-0 win over East Mucurapo. In a separate development, Signal Hill is expected to receive three points after St Augustine Secondary failed to show up for their rescheduled match, potentially shaking up the league standings as the season nears its climax.