Irish Open Gelding Wins Puerto Rico's Top Race for Older Horses
Date Posted: 12/8/01 11:21:18 AM
Last Updated: 12/8/01 11:21:18 AM

 

Gran Duque splashes to victory in the Copa Confraternidad. Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

From El Comandante
The Puerto Rican representative Gran Duque won the Copa Confraternidad at El Comandante Racetrack in Canovanas, Puerto Rico on Friday. The gelding by Irish Open out of Lady Joy provided the Puerto Rican race fans with the second win in the Copa, Puerto Rico's championship race for older horses, since Verset's Jet in victory in 1994.

With 121 pounds and under the guide of Dominican jockey John Bisono the horse caught up at the turn with the Dominican Republic bullet Rio Camu and then kept increasing his lead to win in front of a cheering crowd. Finishing second was the Panamanian Lingham, with Rio Camu third, followed by the Panamanians Gotti and Cortisol in fourth and fifth, respectively.

Gran Duque's time was 2:02:59 for the 1 3/16 over a sloppy track. He is owned by Lazor Stable and trainer is Ramon Morales.