NewzROYAL Poppy announced her full acclimatisation to Jamaican racing on Saturday, September 5, 2026, delivering an authoritative performance to capture the $1.25-million Kilowatt Trophy, an Overnight Allowance event at Caymanas Park. Making her fourth local appearance, the six-year-old USA-bred chestnut mare demonstrated she has fully adapted to her new surroundings, drawing away to score comfortably by 2½ lengths in 1:26.3 for 7 furlongs (1,400m). Bred by Classic Empire out of M’Dearest, the mare was given a patient, tactically good ride by jockey Raddesh Roman.
In the early stages, Royal Poppy relaxed comfortably off the pace dictated by the Anthony Nunes-trained Miss Grove. Roman bided his time until passing the three-furlong marker, where he launched a decisive move and quickly swallowed up the ground to challenge the leader. Miss Grove and Royal Poppy turned into the straight shoulder-to-shoulder at the two-furlong pole, but the duel was short-lived.
Once asked for her full effort, Royal Poppy asserted her dominance and pulled clear in the stretch. Fractions for the contest were 23.1, 46.4, and 1:12.4. Conditioner Gary Subratie expressed satisfaction post-race, noting the patience required when transitioning foreign horses.
“As is always the case, when foreigners get here, they need time to adapt to different environmental conditions,” Subratie explained. “It is no different for Royal Poppy, who has taken her time but is getting more acquainted with life at the stables and on the track. At this stage, Royal Poppy is only getting better, and hopefully, with time, she will deliver even better performances,” he added.
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