Carib Scope

分类： sports

  • Money Market impressive in Boxing Day Sprint

    Money Market impressive in Boxing Day Sprint

    In a spectacular display of racing prowess, the Gary Subratie-trained thoroughbred Money Market captured the prestigious $1.25-million Boxing Day Sprint on December 26, 2025, at a Jamaican racetrack. Ridden by jockey Dane Dawkins, the four-year-old bay gelding demonstrated exceptional tactical intelligence and finishing speed to claim victory by 2¼ lengths.

    The triumph marked a remarkable comeback for Money Market, who had previously finished as runner-up to the highly-rated foreign contender Of A Revolution in the Bruceontheloose Sprint just three weeks earlier. The horse’s training team implemented a revised racing strategy that proved decisive in both performances.

    Executing a perfectly timed race plan, Money Market was held off the pace during the early stages, conserving energy behind frontrunners Commander Z, A Gift From Ben, Huntsman, and Supremasi down the backstretch. Approaching the critical half-mile turn, Dawkins initiated his move, expertly navigating through the field to secure third position.

    The winning moment arrived in the final stretch when Money Market unleashed a devastating acceleration, powering past his rivals to cross the finish line in a commanding time of 1:20.0 for the 6½-furlong (1,300m) Overnight Allowance contest. Supremasi, piloted by Dane Nelson, secured second place, while Huntsman with Jaheim Anderson completed the top three positions.

    Trainer Gary Subratie expressed particular satisfaction with the strategic execution, noting: ‘Dane knows that horse inside out. We’ve modified his running approach to conserve energy for the final stretch, and the results have been extraordinary.’ The victory represents Money Market’s second win from twelve starts this season, signaling his emergence as a formidable contender in sprint events.

    Bred by Successful Native out of the Dance Master mare Soca Dancer, Money Market has demonstrated consistent improvement throughout the racing season, with his Boxing Day performance standing as a career highlight.

  • Can Horse Racing in Belize Become an Industry?

    Can Horse Racing in Belize Become an Industry?

    In Belize, the centuries-old tradition of horse racing persists as a labor of love rather than a lucrative enterprise, with participants advocating for governmental intervention to elevate the sport into a sustainable economic sector. Despite historical roots dating back to the 1800s, the racing circuit remains modest, featuring only a handful of annual events that operate at a financial loss for most stakeholders.

    Veteran owner Harold Burns, who maintains a stable of fifteen horses including five active racers, illustrates the economic challenges facing participants. ‘Our expenditures consistently surpass our earnings,’ Burns revealed, citing substantial costs for transportation, specialized nutrition, veterinary services, and equipment that frequently exceed the total prize money offered. His filly Amira exemplifies the dedication within the community—having survived a near-catastrophic stable accident that nearly severed her front leg, the horse overcame surgical recovery to claim five first-place trophies beginning at age two.

    The current compensation structure further complicates profitability. Prize winnings are immediately distributed among crew members, leaving owners without meaningful financial returns. This economic model contrasts sharply with international racing operations where betting revenues sustain the sport.

    Industry advocates propose a strategic partnership with Belize’s tourism and sports ministries to develop racing into a job-creating industry. Potential growth could spawn feed mills, tack shops, and professional opportunities for trainers and jockeys. Local breeder Gilbert Canton emphasizes the necessity of adopting proven international frameworks, noting that systematic breeding programs—which carefully match pedigrees and performance traits—already demonstrate local capacity for quality horse production.

    Arthur Veyes, a part-time trainer, represents the passionate workforce sustaining the sport through voluntary dedication. ‘This transcends employment—it’s pure passion and love,’ Veyes stated, highlighting the careful conditioning required to prepare athletes while preventing injuries.

    The collective vision shared by Belize’s racing community involves transforming their cherished pastime into a formally recognized industry that balances cultural preservation with economic development, pending crucial investment and regulatory support.

  • US-based football scouts eager to recruit Saint Lucians

    US-based football scouts eager to recruit Saint Lucians

    The MAD Sports Group (MSG) has identified significant potential in Saint Lucian footballers for US collegiate programs following their talent scouting mission during the inaugural Gros Islet Football League Showcase Classic in early December. Led by Sporting Director Daniel Fragachan and CEO Manuel “Manu” Hernández, the US-based college placement agency conducted comprehensive evaluations of youth players in northern Saint Lucia.

    MSG distinguishes itself through its established US operations and Latin American roots, focusing on the crucial intersection of athletic development and educational advancement. Fragachan emphasized their unique approach: “We provide a bridge for young athletes to obtain college scholarships. A Saint Lucian player could earn an American degree by age 21 or 22, ensuring valuable qualifications even after their football career concludes.”

    The scouts expressed particular admiration for the physical attributes of Saint Lucian players, noting exceptional athleticism, speed, and strength. Hernández, whose professional background includes administrative roles with elite clubs including Real Madrid, PSG, and Arsenal, observed: “The technical and physical aspects are impressive. Tactical understanding requires development, but this is knowledge that can be acquired through proper training.”

    MSG’s comprehensive program encompasses player evaluation, performance guidance, competitive pathway planning, and individualized academic support. The organization has announced an international showcase in Dallas, Texas, scheduled for March, where selected Saint Lucian players will compete against peers from across the Americas. Additionally, MSG plans to facilitate international tournament exposure for U16 and U13 teams in the United States, Spain, and Costa Rica.

    The collaboration with Gros Islet Football League represents a strategic initiative to provide Saint Lucian athletes with specialized training and competitive opportunities that could ultimately lead to collegiate scholarships and university degrees, creating pathways for both athletic and academic achievement.

  • Paul: ‘Marginal gains’ key to elite success

    Paul: ‘Marginal gains’ key to elite success

    Trinidad and Tobago’s premier track cyclist Nicholas Paul has unveiled a meticulously planned competitive schedule for 2026, marking the commencement of his qualification journey for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The strategic roadmap features multiple elite international competitions designed to optimize his performance ahead of the crucial World Track Championships in October.

    Paul’s campaign begins with the Pan American Track Championships in Chile (February 16-22), followed by consecutive UCI Nations Cup rounds in Hong Kong (April 17-19) and Malaysia (April 24-26). The cyclist will then compete at either the Commonwealth Games in Scotland (July 23-August 2) or the Central American and Caribbean Games in Dominican Republic (July 24-August 8) before heading to Shanghai for the World Championships (October 14-18) – his first official Olympic qualifier.

    The accomplished athlete identifies tactical execution and marginal gains as critical focus areas for improvement. “I have to still work on my tactics in racing, that’s a big part of it now,” Paul emphasized. “Being able to actually get the marginal gains now, because that’s where I’m losing. I need to get the marginal gains on the track, in the gym, maybe equipment-wise.”

    Paul approaches 2026 as a pivotal year in his career, noting that strong early performances could alleviate pressure during later qualification stages. Seeking his third Olympic appearance, the cyclist aims to secure Trinidad and Tobago’s first Olympic cycling podium after consistently ranking among top contenders in both the 2020 and 2024 Games.

    Reflecting on his 2025 season, Paul described it as productive though less intense than previous Olympic years. His achievements included triple gold (team sprint, sprint, 1K time trial) and silver (keirin) at the Pan American Championships, plus fourth and seventh place finishes respectively in sprint and keirin events at the World Championships. The cyclist also claimed sprint gold and keirin silver at the Bolivarian Games during Trinidad and Tobago’s debut appearance.

    Currently enjoying a period of recovery in his homeland, Paul is balancing rest with preparation for upcoming challenges. His exceptional 2025 performance earned him the Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation’s Male International Cyclist of the Year award in December, further cementing his status as a national sporting icon.

  • ‘OUTSIDE FORCES BENCH MI’

    ‘OUTSIDE FORCES BENCH MI’

    Amid profound national disappointment following Jamaica’s failure to secure automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, emerging football talent Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards has broken his silence regarding his controversial limited participation during the critical qualifying phase. The 20-year-old Chelsea winger, who joined the Reggae Boyz as an emergency replacement for Demarai Gray, found himself consistently positioned on the bench despite strong form, appearing only as a substitute in all four final round matches.

    Richards openly challenged the popular narrative that former Head Coach Steve McClaren deliberately limited his playing time. ‘Personally, I believe I should have been starting from the first minute to establish my rhythm and comfort within the game,’ Richards stated during a candid appearance on the Let’s Be Honest podcast. He elaborated that brief substitute appearances prevented him from reaching optimal performance levels, noting that ten-minute segments insufficiently allowed adaptation to match tempo.

    The talented winger intriguingly suggested shadow influences beyond the coaching staff might have orchestrated his limited involvement. ‘I genuinely appreciated Coach McClaren and believe he valued me as well,’ Richards revealed. ‘Given my strong form during the previous three games, receiving reduced minutes in the most crucial match suggests external intervention rather than coaching decisions.’

    Addressing the subsequent controversy surrounding his nightclub appearance hours after Jamaica’s devastating draw against Curaçao, Richards acknowledged poor judgment while contextualizing his actions as an emotional response to profound disappointment. ‘The pain of missing World Cup qualification after decades, combined with frustration over minimal playing time, affected my decision-making,’ he confessed. ‘It represented a momentary error in coping mechanisms rather than disregard for team objectives.’

    Richards further reflected on his rapid transition from local hero to subject of public scrutiny, noting how perceptions shifted following his professional signing with Chelsea. ‘During my Manning Cup days, universal admiration surrounded me,’ he recalled. ‘The criticism emerged precisely when financial success arrived, despite overcoming years of socioeconomic challenges through dedicated effort.’

    Looking ahead, Richards expressed overwhelming confidence (99%) in Jamaica’s ability to secure World Cup qualification through March’s inter-confederation play-offs against New Caledonia followed by either DR Congo or Nigeria. He additionally endorsed the strategic value of appointing Jamaican coaches for national teams, emphasizing their intrinsic understanding of local player dynamics and cultural contexts, though refraining from direct commentary on interim coach Rudolph Speid’s appointment.

    Since his 2023 international debut, Richards has contributed two goals across fourteen appearances for the Jamaican national team.

  • Cycling year in review: Paul, Wallace light up the track; Teniel conquers road

    Cycling year in review: Paul, Wallace light up the track; Teniel conquers road

    The 2025 cycling season proved exceptionally successful for Trinidad and Tobago, marked by outstanding international achievements, regional supremacy, and promising junior development, despite concluding under the cloud of ongoing litigation between the national federation and several elite athletes.

    Throughout the year, Trinidad and Tobago cyclists demonstrated remarkable prowess across both track and road disciplines, securing medals and achieving breakthrough performances at various international competitions.

    Nicholas Paul emerged as the nation’s track cycling standard-bearer, delivering a spectacular performance at the Pan American Track Cycling Championships in Asunción, Paraguay. The two-time World Championships medalist claimed three gold medals in the men’s sprint, team sprint, and 1K time trial, supplemented by a silver in the keirin. Paul continued his winning streak with sprint gold at California’s Summer Slam event, though he narrowly missed the podium at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Chile. He concluded his season with additional gold and silver medals at the historic Bolivarian Games debut, earning him Male International Cyclist of the Year honors.

    On the road, endurance specialist Teniel Campbell dominated the Caribbean Elite Road Cycling Championships in Belize, securing dual gold in both the individual time trial and road race events. Her Pan American track medals earlier in the season, combined with a respectable 23rd place finish at the UCI Road World Championships in Rwanda, earned her Female International Cyclist of the Year recognition.

    The season’s most remarkable breakthrough came from sprint sensation Makaira Wallace, who skyrocketed from 86th to 23rd in the UCI world rankings. Wallace established a new national record in sprint qualifying at the UCI Track Nations Cup in Turkey, made history as Trinidad and Tobago’s first female sprint qualifier at the World Championships, and set another national record in the 500m time trial. Her triple-bronze performance at the Junior Pan Am Games, coupled with silver and bronze at the Bolivarian Games, earned her both Junior Sportswoman of the Year and People’s Choice awards.

    Endurance prospect Akil Campbell showed promise with strong performances at the Caribbean Road Championships, while junior cyclists including Danell James, Jelani Nedd, and Ryan D’Abreau contributed to team sprint bronze at the Pan Am Games. Jadian Neaves impressed at the Easter International Grand Prix and claimed bronze in the Under-23 road race at the Caribbean Championships.

    Despite these achievements, the season concluded with unresolved legal proceedings between the Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation and three cyclists—Njisane Phillip, Makaira Wallace, and Alexi Ramirez—regarding contested selection trials for the upcoming Pan Am Track Championships. The matter remains pending after a December 30 virtual hearing before Justice James.

  • Empowering the next generation: 60 cricketers shine at Nicky P Batting Academy

    Empowering the next generation: 60 cricketers shine at Nicky P Batting Academy

    Cricket superstar Nicholas Pooran is investing in the future of West Indies cricket through his burgeoning developmental academy. The third installment of the bmobile Nicky P Batting Academy concluded successfully at Kumar Rampat Cricket Academy in Point Lisas, attracting 60 promising young athletes from across Trinidad and Tobago.

    The initiative, launched in 2023 with 50 participants, has demonstrated consistent growth and expanded its reach to include young female cricketers for the first time. Eight girls joined this year’s program, including emerging talent Brianna Harricharan from the Windies Under-19 women’s team. The 17-year-old described the experience as transformative, noting that ‘interacting with a legend like Nicky P was truly motivating’ for refining her technical skills and competitive mindset.

    Under Pooran’s leadership and the coaching expertise of Kumar and Vasu Rampat, the two-day intensive camp provided elite batting instruction while emphasizing mental conditioning and technical development. The program’s most exceptional performers—approximately 10-15 participants—will advance to an exclusive six-month scholarship program offering approximately 256 hours of high-performance training.

    The academy attracted additional cricket royalty, with T20 icons Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard making appearances alongside government official Barry Padarath. Bravo praised the initiative’s role in identifying and nurturing future talent, emphasizing its importance for Caribbean cricket development.

    Participants demonstrated their skills in various challenges, with Declan Manswell claiming victory in the power-hitting competition. Other recognitions included Angel Bishop and Levi Burke as Best Teammates, Savad Koon Koon as Most Enthusiastic, and Jannah Mohammed as Most Disciplined.

    Anjanie Ramesar-Soom, bmobile’s corporate social responsibility specialist, highlighted Pooran’s consistent commitment as the program’s distinguishing factor. ‘By creating structured access to elite coaching and mentorship,’ she noted, ‘Pooran is equipping young cricketers with the tools required to progress beyond talent alone.’

    The camp concluded with selected participants receiving authentic Pooran jerseys from international franchises and gifts from sponsors including bmobile, Powerade, and the Unit Trust Corporation.

  • Trinidad and Tobago cricketer Karishma Ramharack: Women’s sport is no joke

    Trinidad and Tobago cricketer Karishma Ramharack: Women’s sport is no joke

    In a powerful address at the 31st annual TT Olympic Committee (TTOC) awards ceremony in Port of Spain, West Indies women’s cricket star Karishma Ramharack delivered a compelling plea for the professionalization of women’s sports across Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean region.

    The accomplished off-spinner, recipient of both the 2024 First Citizens Sports Foundation Sportswoman of the Year and 2025 TTCB Female International Cricketer of the Year awards, drew from her six years of international experience to challenge prevailing attitudes toward female athletics. Speaking before an audience at Queen’s Hall on December 29, 2025, Ramharack emphasized that women’s sports should not be treated as recreational pastimes but as serious professional pursuits.

    ‘Women’s sports is not a side story. It’s not a phase. It’s not something young girls should try before choosing something practical,’ declared Ramharack, whose cricketing credentials include 90 international appearances across ODI and T20 formats. ‘What I see every day are women who are disciplined, strategic, resilient, and capable of excellence under pressure.’

    The athlete provided concrete examples of professional commitment, describing the rigorous discipline required at elite levels: ‘The early mornings and getting my workouts in regardless of where I am in the world… Cutting sugar completely out of my diet and sticking to it, even when cravings hit… Choosing discipline over comfort, purpose over pleasure, every single day.’

    Addressing parents and guardians directly, Ramharack urged a paradigm shift in how young female athletes are encouraged: ‘When your daughter shows interest in cricket, athletics, football, cycling, or any sport, don’t ask her how long it will last. Ask her how far she wants to go.’ She positioned sports as a viable career path that builds character and creates opportunities, emphasizing that ‘the next Olympian, medallist or the next leader in sport might be sitting in a classroom right now waiting for someone to take her seriously.’

    Ramharack’s advocacy comes amid a successful competitive period for Trinidad and Tobago athletes. Following the men’s and women’s teams claiming silver at the recent Bolivarian Games in Peru, Ramharack and her colleagues are now focused on qualifying for the LA 2028 Olympic Games through increased competition under the TTOC banner.

  • Coach Enzo Maresca leaves Chelsea

    Coach Enzo Maresca leaves Chelsea

    Chelsea Football Club has formally announced the departure of head coach Enzo Maresca after just 18 months at the helm. The decision, confirmed by the club on Thursday, severs ties with the Italian manager during a challenging period in their Premier League campaign.

    The club’s official statement cited a mutual agreement to part ways, emphasizing the need for a strategic shift to salvage the remainder of the season. Currently positioned fifth in the league standings, Chelsea finds itself trailing a staggering 15 points behind arch-rivals Arsenal, having secured only one victory in their last seven domestic matches.

    Mounting speculation regarding Maresca’s future intensified throughout Chelsea’s recent performance slump, compounded by reports of deteriorating relations between the coach and the club’s leadership. The situation reached a critical point following Tuesday’s tumultuous 2-2 draw against Bournemouth, after which Maresca notably abstained from the customary post-match press conference, with officials attributing his absence to illness.

    Maresca’s tenure, which began with considerable promise, saw the club capture both the Europa Conference League and Club World Cup titles in 2025 while successfully securing qualification for the prestigious Champions League. However, the coach had previously voiced frustrations regarding perceived lack of support from within the organization, particularly referencing what he described as “the worst 48 hours” of his Chelsea experience preceding December’s victory over Everton.

    The separation concludes a contract originally set to extend until summer 2029, featuring an optional additional year at the club’s discretion. Chelsea’s leadership now faces the urgent task of identifying a successor capable of revitalizing their campaign across four ongoing competitions, with Champions League qualification remaining a paramount objective.

  • Old Harbour United acquire Spanish Town Police FC

    Old Harbour United acquire Spanish Town Police FC

    In a significant restructuring of Jamaican football, Old Harbour United Football Club has announced its acquisition of struggling Jamaica Premier League side Spanish Town Police FC. The move marks a strategic pivot for Old Harbour United, which recently secured the St Catherine FA Division 1 title but will now relinquish this championship as they exit the St Catherine Major League.

    The acquisition signals a fundamental shift in Old Harbour United’s operational model. The club will transition exclusively into a football academy program, redirecting its focus toward youth development, player education, and cultivating future talent for both local and national football circuits. This strategic realignment demonstrates the organization’s commitment to sustainable growth and strengthening the regional football pipeline.

    The newly structured academy will emphasize technical training, discipline, and holistic player development while simultaneously supporting the competitive objectives of Spanish Town Police FC under its new ownership structure. Old Harbour United expressed appreciation to the St Catherine Football Association, players, coaching staff, supporters, and community partners for their sustained backing throughout the years.

    Spanish Town Police FC, established in 1977, achieved its historic first qualification to Jamaica’s top-flight football for the 2025/2026 season. However, the team has faced considerable challenges, securing only two victories from 14 matches and remaining anchored at the bottom of the 14-team league with just eight points. The club currently faces relegation, trailing four points behind both Chapelton Maroons and fellow promoted team Treasure Beach FC, who each hold 12 points.

    This merger potentially offers Spanish Town Police FC a crucial lifeline in their battle against relegation. Despite their struggles, the team has demonstrated competitive capability with victories over Waterhouse FC and Treasure Beach FC, suggesting potential for improved performance under the new ownership structure.