by EZRA STUART THE SPORT OF KINGS had it crowning moment at the Garrison Savannah yesterday. The Barbados Turf Club (BFC) celebrated its centenary anniversary of horse racing, 1905-2005, in grand style with loads of prizes for spectators. BTC president Robert Bourque said "it was a nice day" even though he would have love to see a larger crowd. Among those at the Garrison for the big day were former champion jockeys, Chally Jones and Venice Richards, as well as the Canadian-based duo of Patrick Husbands and Jono Jones. Also there were racing stalwarts like Sir David Seale, Clayton Greenidge, Trevor "Bookie" Gale, Colin Rocheford, Charlie Health and Arnold Alleyne. Former West Indies cricketers, Charlie Griffith and Cammie Smith were also spotted among the spectators. "It was intended to be a centenary celebration for the race fans and therefore in that regard, with Christmas coming up, we thought we could have a lot of nice prizes that our race fans would enjoy, and hopefully, appreciate," Bourque said. There were cash prizes ranging from $500 to $5 000 and one lucky spectator, John Gardiner, went home with $3 000 after his number was called several times by roving announcer Patrick Gollop. The BTC also distributed commemorative pins and gift baskets and Borque thanked the many sponsors, including Cockspur, Diamonds International, Banks Breweries, Sandy Lane and Super Centre, who donated prizes. "I want to say special thanks to all those race fans who supported racing for the past 100 years," Bourque said. l ezrastuart@nationnews.com
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