'Ginger' Halts 'Mr. K's' Dominance

By Lawrernce Markwei

The Accra Turf Club on Saturday came alive when 'Ginger' the supreme dynamo returned to the turf from a temporal leave to halt the dominance of 'Mr. K' at the top division in a race that will intensify the rivalry between the two horses.

As captured in pre-race predictions, the two horses generated the excitement fans have been yearning for as punters wondered whether 'Mr K's' dominance at the top division could be sustained in the face of challenges posed by 'General Salute' and 'Ginger'.

'Mr. K', owned by Dr.Sattout Omar emerged the unbeatable horse snatching all trophies at sight. Not long after, 'General Salute,' owned by Godwin Corquaye emerged from nowhere to a stop that dominance with an impressive display to prove its ability as both a sprinter and a stayer.

But just when, 'General Salute' was on top of the division, Harold Darko brought 'Ginger' to challenge the duo.

'Ginger' appeared too strong a contender for them and was at appoint rested until there was a new contender.

In the absence of the duo, 'Mr. K' has 'terrorized' all at the New Year Race Meetings, winning every silverware on sight at the top division.

Having won two straight victories in the 1st and the 2nd Race Meetings, he faced a stern test against 'Ginger' who was registered purposely to silence the vociferous followers of 'Mr K'.

That, perhaps, explained the unusual euphoria that greeted the race.

When the horses were called to the starter's gate at 1,600 metres (8 furlongs), 'Ginger' was handicapped to start behind the rest from 120 metres because of its superiority.

However, that did not stop 'Ginger' from thrilling the fans as it put up a splendid performance to reclaim its championship title as it stormed past the pack to win the race in a time of 2:02secs, followed by 'Mr. K' and 'Who is Free' in second and third positions.

Another surprise on the afternoon was the performance of 'Kastina' who returned to winning ways in the Novice division just after a botch up on the 2nd Day.

This time in a 1,200metres race, 'Kastina' outran the pack to win in a time of 1:16 secs.

The win established 'Kastina' as a sprinter. Her first victory on the 1st Day was in a 1,000 metres (5 furlong) distance but lost out in the 1,600 metres (8 furlongs) on the 2nd Day.

In the 1st race of the day, 'Jack' beat 'African Queen' to win the 4B/4C division over a distance of 1,400 metres.

'Wonder Boy' followed in third position while 'Golden Boy' clinched victory in the 3B/4A division followed by 'Secret Lady' and 'Sly Mongoose' in that order.

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