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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Holy Trinity Cathedral hosts fundraising golf tourney
The Holy Trinity Cathedral, a cherished heritage site registered with the National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago, is set to host a unique Fundraising Golf Tournament aimed at supporting its ongoing restoration efforts. The event will take place at the prestigious St Andrews Golf Course in Maraval on November 16, commencing with an 8 am shotgun start. Participants will engage in a Two-Ball Better Ball – 85 per cent format, with registration fees set at $3,500 per team. Organizers are calling on the public, corporate partners, and golf enthusiasts to rally behind this significant initiative, which directly contributes to the preservation of one of Trinidad and Tobago’s historic architectural treasures. For registration or sponsorship inquiries, individuals can contact Christopher Skinner at 680-4110 or Kirby Anthony Hosang at 678-8770. Additionally, email inquiries can be directed to cathedralhtcgolf@gmail.com.
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Taking a win from the loss
The Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) senior men’s national football team concluded their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign with a 1-1 draw against Jamaica on November 13 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. Despite a spirited performance in front of a passionate home crowd, the result left the team with only six points, eliminating any chance of advancing to the World Cup. Their final qualifier match against Bermuda on November 18 will be a mere formality, as they cannot secure a top-two finish in their group. Jamaica opened the scoring in the 53rd minute, but T&T’s substitute Kevin Molino equalized just four minutes before the final whistle. A promising stoppage-time effort by debutant forward Roald Mitchell, a New York Red Bulls player, was cut short due to a hamstring injury. Statistically, T&T dominated the game with 62% possession, 17 shots on goal compared to Jamaica’s six, and 411 passes to Jamaica’s 257. However, their inability to convert opportunities into goals proved costly. Coach Dwight Yorke defended his strategy, emphasizing that it worked as planned despite the lack of goals. He called for a focus on developing a stronger squad and nurturing home-grown coaching talent. Yorke’s first year as coach has revitalized local interest in football, with increased fan attendance and sponsorship support. However, T&T remains at the early stages of building a competitive team. The government’s ‘grandfather clause’ to expand the pool of eligible players is a step forward, but long-term success hinges on investing in youth development programs like the Secondary Schools Football League and improving talent identification processes, such as the poorly handled National Under-17 trials on November 9. Yorke’s experience as a former professional player will be crucial in guiding the next generation of T&T footballers, ensuring a more competitive future World Cup campaign.
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Malachi Joseph, a football prodigy in the making
At just eleven years old, Malachi Joseph is already making waves in the world of football, showcasing exceptional talent, discipline, and an unwavering passion for the sport. Hailing from San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago, Malachi is being hailed as a future star, both locally and internationally. His recent performance in the Victoria Educational District’s Under-11 Primary School Football Tournament has solidified his reputation as a standout player. On November 4, Malachi led his team, St Paul’s Boys’ Anglican Primary School, to a decisive 3-0 victory against San Fernando Boys’ RC School at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella, earning him the title of Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Malachi’s skills on the field are undeniable. As a midfield attacker, he demonstrates effortless ball control, sharp awareness, and remarkable confidence. His dedication to the sport is evident in his rigorous training regimen, which he balances seamlessly with his schoolwork. Inspired by football legend Lionel Messi, Malachi dreams of following in his idol’s footsteps by joining the FC Barcelona Academy in Spain. ‘Messi is my favorite player. I want to be a professional player and feel good when I play on the field,’ Malachi shared.
His journey began years ago, not on a formal pitch, but in the yard of his family home in Marabella, where he honed his skills by kicking bottles. Recognizing his natural talent, his mother, Nicole Peters, enrolled him in the Dunstan Williams Soccer Academy (DWSA) at the age of six. Since then, Malachi has remained a dedicated member of DWSA and continues to train under the guidance of coach Anthony Sherwood, who helps refine his technical and tactical understanding of the game.
At school, his coach, Rondell Renwick, praises Malachi not only for his skill but also for his attitude. ‘He is disciplined, and mark my words, he’s one for the future. He is special,’ Renwick said proudly. With his eyes set on a professional career, Malachi Joseph is undoubtedly a name to watch in the world of football.
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Carl Brown believes Boyz will give Jamaica ‘something to smile about’
Former Jamaica football coach Carl Brown has expressed unwavering confidence in the Reggae Boyz’s ability to triumph over Curacao in their upcoming World Cup qualifier. The crucial Group B Concacaf match is scheduled to take place at the National Stadium on Tuesday. Brown, who resides in South Florida, emphasized the importance of a victory for the nation, particularly in the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. He believes the team will deliver their best performance and secure a much-needed win. Curacao currently leads the group with 11 points, just one ahead of Jamaica. A draw would suffice for Curacao to become the smallest country to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Their previous encounter on October 10 saw Curacao defeat Jamaica 2-0 at home. Jamaica’s head coach, Steve McClaren, has faced criticism for his team selection during the November 11 match against Trinidad and Tobago, which ended in a 1-1 draw. However, Brown asserts that the players must rise to the occasion and deliver a victory that will bring joy to a nation still recovering from the hurricane’s aftermath. Brown, a former defender for Jamaica and Boys’ Town in the Major League, served as head coach when Jamaica won the Caribbean Cup in 1991. He later transitioned to technical director under Rene Simoes when the team qualified for the 1998 World Cup in France. Curacao, coached by the seasoned Dick Advocaat, boasts a roster of professional players based in Europe. Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, struck Jamaica on October 28, causing significant damage across several parishes and resulting in 45 fatalities, according to the Jamaican government.
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Portugal qualify for 2026 World Cup by thrashing Armenia
In a stunning display of football prowess, Portugal secured their place in the 2026 World Cup finals with a resounding 9-1 victory over Armenia in Porto on Sunday. Despite the absence of suspended star Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese team delivered a commanding performance, led by hat-tricks from Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves. The match marked Portugal’s third attempt to clinch qualification after a draw in Hungary and a surprising defeat in Ireland earlier in the week. Renato Veiga opened the scoring in the seventh minute, followed by goals from Goncalo Ramos, Francisco Conceicao, and a series of strikes from Fernandes and Neves. Armenia briefly equalized through Eduard Spertsyan, but Portugal quickly regained control, building an unassailable lead. Fernandes, who played a pivotal role throughout the match, netted his 28th goal for Portugal, cementing his place as the country’s sixth-highest goalscorer. Neves, scoring his first goals for the national team, expressed his joy while emphasizing the team’s collective effort. Juventus forward Conceicao sealed the historic win with a stoppage-time goal. Manager Roberto Martinez praised his team’s response after the Ireland defeat, while Ronaldo, who could miss the start of the tournament due to suspension, celebrated the qualification on social media. In other Group F action, Ireland secured a dramatic 3-2 win over Hungary, with Troy Parrott scoring a hat-trick to advance to the play-offs.
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Sinner caps eventful year with ATP Finals triumph over great rival Alcaraz
In a thrilling conclusion to a tumultuous season, Jannik Sinner emerged victorious at the ATP Finals in Turin, Italy, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets, 7-6 (7/4), 7-5. The Italian tennis star captivated the home crowd, securing his second consecutive ATP Finals title and capping off a remarkable year that included triumphs at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. Sinner’s victory was particularly poignant, given his three-month ban earlier in the season due to accidental contamination with a banned substance, a situation that the World Anti-Doping Agency acknowledged was unintentional. The 24-year-old has now won 31 consecutive matches on indoor hard courts, a streak that began after his loss to Novak Djokovic in the 2023 championship match. Sinner’s performance was a testament to his resilience and skill, as he navigated a challenging season to end on a high note. Alcaraz, despite a stellar season with eight tournament wins and six Grand Slam titles, was unable to overcome Sinner’s dominance in the final. The match was a showcase of high-level tennis, with both players delivering powerful serves and intense rallies. Sinner’s victory was sealed when Alcaraz sent a backhand wide on the first championship point, prompting an emotional celebration with his family and the roaring crowd.
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Jamaican Jordanio James breaking barriers at UCI Cyclo-cross training camp in Switzerland
Jordanio James, a trailblazing Jamaican cyclist, is making waves at the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Cyclo-cross Training Camp in Aigle, Switzerland. As the only Jamaican and the sole black athlete among the 30 elite riders selected globally, James is carving out a unique space in the demanding world of cyclo-cross. The camp, hosted at the UCI headquarters from November 10 to 17, 2025, is renowned as one of the most prestigious technical development programs in international cycling.
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Malabar Youngstars, Athletic Utd clash for EFA title
The stage is set for an electrifying finale in the 2025 Eastern Football Association (EFA) tournament as defending champions Malabar Youngstars FC and Athletic United FC prepare to clash on November 16 at the Phase 2 La Horquetta recreation grounds. The two teams secured their spots in the championship match following contrasting semifinal victories on November 9. Athletic United edged past FC Maloney with a narrow 1-0 win, courtesy of Terron Miller’s decisive 27th-minute strike. Meanwhile, Malabar Youngstars delivered a dominant performance, cruising to a 3-0 victory over CPC Athletic International Academy. Ronaldo Boyce opened the scoring in the 37th minute, followed by an own goal from CPC’s Khaden Caraby in the 61st minute. Substitute Shandon Llanos sealed the win with a stoppage-time goal. Malabar aims to secure back-to-back EFA titles after their 2-1 triumph over CG Poseidon last year, while Athletic United will look to thwart their ambitions. Earlier in the day, CPC Athletic International Academy and FC Maloney will compete in the third-place playoff for a $5,000 prize, with the tournament winners and runners-up set to receive $15,000 and $10,000, respectively.
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Haaland’s Norway thump sorry Italy to reach first World Cup since 1998
In a stunning display of football prowess, Norway clinched their first World Cup berth since 1998 with a commanding 4-1 victory over Italy at the rain-soaked San Siro on Sunday. The triumph sealed their spot in next summer’s finals, set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Erling Haaland, the Manchester City striker hailed as a ‘goal machine,’ was the star of the match, scoring a decisive brace within seconds in the 78th and 79th minutes. His contributions were pivotal in Norway’s flawless qualifying campaign, which saw them amass a perfect 24 points from eight matches in Group I. Italy, despite an early lead from Pio Esposito, crumbled under Norway’s relentless pressure, with Antonio Nusa and Jorgen Strand Larsen adding to the scoreline. The defeat left Italy six points adrift of Norway, forcing them into the play-offs for a chance at World Cup qualification. Coach Gennaro Gattuso expressed concern over his team’s second-half collapse, while Norway’s Stale Solbakken remained cautiously optimistic about their prospects in the upcoming tournament. Haaland’s remarkable form, with 16 goals in qualifying, has positioned him as one of the players to watch in North America. Italy, meanwhile, continues to grapple with inconsistency, having missed the last two World Cups despite their 2021 European Championship triumph.