Gary Subratie, a trainer who has saddled more than 800 winners in Jamaica, recorded his first U.S. win Saturday at Gulfstream Park. His charge Rogers Park (Kantharos) captured the sixth race, a $12,500 maiden claiming event going 1 1/16 miles on the all-weather surface. Trevor R. James owns the 4-year-old filly, whom Subratie claimed May 18 from Saffie Joseph, Jr. for $12,500. Saturday's win was her second start for Subratie.
“I grew up in Jamaica, but I got my license at Calder. I ran a couple races at Calder [in 1997] and went back to Jamaica,” said Subratie. “I said, 'Let me go home and get things going.'
“It's been a long time coming. My owners have been pushing me to come here. I started my career here. I'm going to give it a shot. It's never too late.”
Subratie trains a stable of six at Gulfstream and also had four runners entered at Jamaica's Caymanas Park Saturday.
“I've always looked forward to racing at Gulfstream,” he said. “To get my first winner was: 'Yes!'
“We're trying to build. It's not going to happen overnight. It's coming along nicely, and I'm pleased and happy with the horses I have right now.”
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