Hipodromo Camarero near San Juan, Puerto Rico, held its first live races Oct. 29 since Hurricane Maria hit the island Sept. 20.
While Equibase only reported one scheduled race, the racetrack's program for the day listed three races, all with no purse money.
The first race was a five-furlong test for apprentice riders at the Escuela Vocacional Hípica at Camarero. The second, also at five furlongs, was listed as a "practice race." The third was a 1 1/16-mile qualifier for the Clasico del Caribe, which was restricted to 3-year-old Puerto Rican-breds. The 2017 edition of the Clasico del Caribe is scheduled to be held Dec. 9 at Gulfstream Park. Camarero's qualifying race awarded points toward a start in the Clasico del Caribe, from first through fourth place as 8-4-2-1.
According to the track's Facebook page, the winner of that qualifier was Sonata Stable's Justiciero. Trained by Raymond Morales and ridden by Juan Diaz, the son of Coach Billy G. held off stablemate Platino to finish the distance in a final time of 1:52.87. Sonata Stable and Morales had four of the eight entries.
For the 1 1/8-mile $300,000 Clasico del Caribe, Gulfstream Park requires all horses to be in Florida by Nov. 15. So far, according to Gulfstream, the other likely starters are from Panama: Fray Angelico, Gatillo, and Senalero.
As for the equine population at the Hipodromo Camarero, Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare reports that 32 horses have been euthanized since the storm. They include: Serie Mundial, Dayne's Pulpit, Biscotti, Salto del indio, Vuelve Gilberto M, El Traketo, Senor Cali, Pelusita, Native Speed, Recogido, Palma Soriano, Irish Chatter, Roman's Tough, Ryan's Gift, Why Tie The Knot, Sir Temple City, El Bendecido, A Wanted Man, Fabula, La Vecina, Italy Pride, Black Fire, Homeboy Kayden, Rocco Solid, Unstoppable U, Kylies Wildcard, Doc J, My Honey Laurie.
CTA has not confirmed the names of the four others.
