The Jamaica Cup Race Day is set to be a monumental event for owner Carlton Watson, trainer Jason DaCosta, and jockey Robert Halledeen as they aim for a dominant double with their horses, Funcaandun and Dothraki, in the $6-million Jamaica Cup and the $2.5-million Port Royal Sprint, respectively. The trio is poised for success in two of the three major trophy events on the 10-race card, with high hopes of a triumphant day. Funcaandun, the reigning Horse of the Year, will face 11 competitors over nine and a half furlongs (1,900m), while Dothraki will take on eight rivals over six furlongs (1,200m). Both races are ‘Win and You’re In’ contests, offering a guaranteed spot in next month’s prestigious Mouttet Mile. Funcaandun, despite a disappointing sixth-place finish in the recent Gold Cup, boasts an impressive record with two wins from five starts this season. Carrying top weight at 57.0kgs (126 lb), the bay colt is a formidable contender with a proven track record in major races. However, the competition remains fierce, with Tiz Tok, Mojito, and H Two O posing significant threats. Tiz Tok has shown steady improvement, Mojito recently secured a victory over nine furlongs, and H Two O has been training exceptionally well. Meanwhile, Dothraki, a four-year-old American-bred colt, is making his second local appearance after a stellar debut win. He is the top pick for the Port Royal Sprint, though Rideallday and Desert of Malibu are expected to provide strong competition. Rideallday, a highly regarded horse, is eager to reclaim his winning streak after a setback in the Gold Cup, while Desert of Malibu has shown promise in recent training sessions. In the $1.5-million St Elizabeth Distaff, trainer Anthony “Baba” Nunes is confident in his top runners, Fearless Force and Linguist, who are strong contenders in the Overnight Allowance contest for three-year-old fillies and mares over one mile (1,600m). Fearless Force, unbeatable on paper, is the favorite, but Linguist, this year’s Jamaica Oaks winner, could challenge for the top spot. The Jamaica Cup Race Day promises thrilling competition and high stakes, with the potential for historic victories.
分类： sports
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Column: Vochtige ogen
On the eve of the World Cup qualifier against El Salvador, Suriname’s national team, led by coach Stanley Menzo, held a press conference. While such events often yield little new information, the focus was on the team’s readiness and strategy. Captain Shaquille Pinas, a veteran with 34 international caps, addressed the media, emphasizing his approach to the match: ‘I don’t feel extra pressure. I step onto the field to win, just like any other game.’ He highlighted the players’ awareness of their fans’ emotions, stating, ‘We play for our families, friends, and the people of our country. It’s a great honor to contribute to that.’
The following evening, the Essed Stadium was packed well before kickoff, showcasing the nation’s fervent support. Defender Myenty Abena led a passionate pre-game prayer, setting the tone for the match. Despite a shaky first half with inaccurate passes and a reliance on long balls, Suriname managed to take a 1-0 lead into halftime, thanks to a penalty converted by Tjaronn Chery.
The second half saw a transformed Surinamese team. With fluid combinations and dynamic wingbacks Djavan Anderson and Ridgeciano Haps, they dismantled El Salvador’s defense. Richonell Margaret scored twice, and substitute Dhoraso Klas added a fourth goal, sealing a 4-0 victory. The crowd erupted in celebration, singing the national anthem twice.
Post-match, the team and staff remained on the field, basking in the adoration of their supporters. Goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen showcased his quirky dance moves, while other players expressed their joy in various ways. Coach Menzo, overwhelmed with emotion, retreated to the technical room, reflecting on his journey and the significance of the win. During the subsequent press conference, he expressed immense pride in his team and the country of his birth, though he admitted that the celebrations would be modest. ‘The years are catching up with me,’ he joked, ‘but I know the boys will celebrate tonight.’
Looking ahead, Suriname faces Guatemala in their final qualifying match. Menzo stressed the importance of focus and preparation, even as the team savors their recent triumph. The Surinamese sports press gave Menzo a standing ovation, marking a memorable night for the nation’s footballing aspirations.
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West Indies Under-19s Ready for England Challenge
The West Indies Under-19 cricket team is set to embark on a pivotal seven-match Youth ODI series against England, commencing on Sunday in Grenada. This series serves as a critical component of their preparation for the ICC Under-19 World Cup scheduled for early next year. Head coach Rohan Nurse is optimistic about the team’s progress, particularly following their hard-earned 4–3 victory over Sri Lanka in Antigua two months ago. Nurse highlighted the resilience and unity displayed by the young squad during that series, qualities he believes are essential for their continued development. The team has undergone three changes since the Sri Lanka tour, with DeShawn James returning from injury and Kunal Tilokani and Tanez Francis earning their spots after standout performances in the regional Under-17 tournament. While Afraz Ali Buhdoo, Micah Greenidge, and Pajay Nelson have been omitted from the England series, they remain part of the broader player pool for the upcoming World Cup. Nurse emphasized the importance of consistency, concentration, and maintaining intensity across all aspects of the game—batting, bowling, and fielding—as key areas for improvement. He also stressed the need for players to convert strong starts into substantial performances and to clearly define their roles within the team. With the World Cup on the horizon, the England series provides an invaluable opportunity for the West Indies U19 squad to refine their skills, build cohesion, and adapt to the demands of international cricket. The series will run from November 16 to December 1, with matches scheduled across Grenada. The team management, led by Nurse and supported by assistant coaches Jerome Taylor and Nikita Miller, is focused on fostering a performance-driven environment while instilling professionalism and clarity of roles both on and off the field.
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Trinidad and Tobago eliminated in draw with Jamaica
The Final Round of the Concacaf Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup witnessed a thrilling encounter between Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, ending in a 1-1 draw on Thursday at Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. The match, part of Group B, saw both teams battling fiercely for a chance to advance in the tournament. The first half remained goalless, with both sides struggling to break through the defenses. However, the deadlock was finally broken in the 53rd minute when Renaldo Cephas of Jamaica capitalized on a swift counterattack down the left flank. Cutting inside, Cephas expertly placed the ball into the bottom right corner, giving Jamaica the lead. Rumarn Burrell was credited with the assist. Trinidad and Tobago responded in the 85th minute, with Kevin Molino delivering a precise right-footed strike from close range to level the score. The draw leaves Jamaica in second place in the group with 10 points and a 3-1-1 record, keeping their hopes alive for direct qualification. They are set to host Curaçao in their next match. Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been dashed with this result. The Soca Warriors will conclude their campaign with a visit to Bermuda.
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Suriname inches closer to World Cup dream, El Salvador eliminated
In a decisive match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Suriname delivered a commanding 4-0 victory over El Salvador on Thursday at the Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadion in Paramaribo. This triumph not only solidified Suriname’s position at the top of Group A but also brought the nation closer to securing its first-ever World Cup appearance. The team’s record now stands at 2 wins, 3 draws, and 0 losses. The scoring began in the 44th minute when Tjaronn Chery converted a penalty after being fouled by El Salvador’s Julio Sibrián. Suriname extended its lead in the 74th minute with Richonell Margaret capitalizing on a deflected clearance. Margaret struck again just two minutes later, finishing a cross from Ridgeciano Haps. The final goal came in the 83rd minute when substitute Dhoraso Klas tapped in a cross shortly after entering the game. With this loss, El Salvador has been eliminated from contention for the 2026 World Cup. Suriname will face Guatemala in their final qualifying match on Tuesday, while El Salvador will conclude their campaign against Panama.
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West Indies U-19s set for England
The West Indies Under-19 cricket team is set to face England in a pivotal seven-match Youth One Day International (ODI) series, commencing this Sunday in Grenada. This series marks a critical juncture in their preparation for the ICC Under-19 World Cup, scheduled for early next year. Head coach Rohan Nurse expressed optimism about the team’s development, emphasizing the importance of this series in refining skills and strategies. The squad, buoyed by a recent 4-3 series victory over Sri Lanka, aims to build on that momentum as they take on another formidable opponent. The team has seen some adjustments since their last outing, with three players returning or earning their spots based on standout performances. DeShawn James rejoins after recovering from injury, while Kunal Tilokani and Tanez Francis secured their places following impressive showings at the regional Under-17 tournament. Meanwhile, players like Afraz Ali Buhdoo, Micah Greenidge, and Pajay Nelson will miss this series but remain in contention for the final World Cup squad. Nurse highlighted the team’s resilience and fighting spirit during the Sri Lanka series, noting that these qualities are essential for success. He also stressed the need for consistency and focus across all departments—batting, bowling, and fielding—to gain a competitive edge. With the World Cup looming, this series against England is a vital step in shaping a cohesive and competitive unit capable of excelling on the international stage. The team management, including assistant coaches Jerome Taylor and Nikita Miller, is focused on fostering a performance-driven environment while instilling professionalism and clarity of roles among the players.
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Mixed fortunes for Saint Lucia in ECVA volleyball
In a gripping showdown at the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Under-23 Men’s Championship on Thursday, November 13, hosts Antigua & Barbuda staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Saint Lucia in a five-set thriller. The match, held at the YMCA in St John’s, showcased resilience and tactical brilliance as Antigua & Barbuda overturned a two-set deficit to clinch the victory with scores of 22-25, 16-25, 27-25, 25-21, 15-12.
Saint Lucia had entered the match with momentum, having earlier defeated Anguilla in straight sets (27-25, 25-17, 25-12). Their star player, outside hitter and team captain Daniel Myers-James, delivered a standout performance with 15 points against Anguilla and later led his team with 24 points in the clash against Antigua & Barbuda. Middle blocker Peter Emmanuel also contributed significantly with 12 points.
Despite Saint Lucia’s dominance at the net, recording 14 blocks compared to Antigua & Barbuda’s five, the hosts excelled in attack points, scoring 57 against their opponents’ 41. This offensive prowess proved decisive in turning the tide of the match.
Saint Lucia’s head coach, Levi Leonce, acknowledged the challenges faced during the game. “A loss is always unfortunate, but Antigua came to fight today. We struggled with service errors and execution breakdowns. However, each match offers valuable lessons, and we will make the necessary adjustments to come back stronger tomorrow,” he stated.
The championship continues with Saint Lucia set to face Grenada on Friday and Dominica on Saturday, both at 4 p.m. Dominica remains unbeaten after three games, while Antigua & Barbuda have secured victories in both their fixtures so far.
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Nestor guides Mean Green to historic 3-0 start
The University of North Texas (UNT) women’s basketball team celebrated a historic milestone on Thursday, November 13, as they secured their third consecutive victory, marking their first 3-0 start since 2002. The Mean Green dominated Nelson University with a resounding 102-50 win, extending their home winning streak at The Super Pit to 14 games.
Megan Nestor, the senior center from Saint Lucia, delivered another stellar performance, recording her third straight double-double of the season with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Nestor, who is averaging 14.3 points and 11.7 rebounds this season, made her mark in just 19 minutes of play, shooting 8-16 from the field and 4-7 from the free-throw line. This game also marked her season-high in scoring.
Despite an early 12-4 lead by Nelson, UNT quickly regained control after a timeout called by head coach Jason Burton. The Mean Green unleashed a 19-0 run in the final 5:52 of the first quarter, which eventually extended to 23-0 before Nelson managed to score again. UNT’s relentless defensive pressure forced 30 turnovers, including 23 steals, just one shy of the program’s single-game record.
Burton emphasized that the team’s focus was on disrupting Nelson’s rhythm rather than forcing turnovers. ‘We thought from a game plan standpoint that if we applied pressure, we could create some turnovers, and the times we did that, we did a great job,’ he said.
Andi Schissler played a crucial role in the first half, scoring 10 of her 17 points during the decisive run. Schissler was the second-leading scorer for the night, while three other UNT players also reached double figures. Notably, all 11 available players contributed to the scoreboard for the second consecutive game, showcasing the team’s depth and cohesion.
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Youth Transformation and Rehab Centre make basketball return
The Youth Transformation and Rehabilitation Centre (YTRC) marked a significant milestone with their return to competitive school basketball at the Elevate 3×3 Secondary Schools Basketball Championship. The event, held at the Eastern Regional Indoor Sports Arena in Tacarigua on November 14, saw YTRC re-enter the fray after years of absence from formal competition. Historically a dominant force in the East Zone Secondary Schools Basketball League, YTRC has previously clinched multiple zonal titles and represented the zone at national championships. Their participation in this year’s tournament underscores their commitment to using sports as a transformative tool for youth development. In recent years, YTRC has integrated 3×3 basketball into its rehabilitative framework, organizing events like the R³ 3×3 Invitational tournament to foster teamwork, discipline, and leadership among its residents. The Elevate 3×3 Championship, a national tournament, features top young talent across four divisions: Under-15, Under-17, Under-20 male, and open female. YTRC will compete in the Under-20 and female categories, showcasing players from their active basketball programmes. The TT Prison Service, which oversees YTRC, continues to emphasize the role of structured sports and education in rehabilitation, viewing athletics as a powerful catalyst for personal growth and societal reintegration.
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Football giants indeed
The San Fernando Giants, one of the longest-surviving active football clubs, recently celebrated their 75th anniversary with a series of commemorative events. The celebrations included a thanksgiving service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church and an awards ceremony held in the church hall on November 1. This milestone highlights the club’s remarkable journey, sustained by community spirit and volunteerism rather than corporate sponsorship.