Dataman stays unbeaten as Olympic Kremlin rematch looms

Following a weekend of high drama at the Port Mourant Turf Club, where the unbeaten Dataman edged out Olympic Kremlin in a photo-finish for the ages, a rematch looms.

The victory in the Banks Classic not only preserved Dataman’s flawless record but also completed a historic “triple crown” of sorts, adding to his previous triumphs in the Guyana Cup and the President’s Cup.

Dataman now stands as the sole unbeaten champion in the country, boasting three consecutive major victories across Guyana’s two premier venues—Rising Sun and Port Mourant.

However, the victory was far from certain. Trainer Mr. Roberts revealed post-race that the champion almost didn’t make the gate following a minor training setback. “To be honest, he wasn’t supposed to be there,” Roberts admitted. “He missed some training days, and we were leaning toward scratching him.”

The decision to run was sparked by the confirmed return of Olympic Kremlin, setting the stage for a clash that sent the Port Mourant crowd into a frenzy.

For Olympic Kremlin, the 2024 Horse of the Year, Sunday represented a comeback following a dramatic incident at the Guyana Cup where he lost his rider at the gates.

In a tactical shift that surprised the Slingers Racing Stable camp, the “ultimate closer” abandoned his trademark late surge, instead opting for a sharp early pace to stay in the leading pack from the off. While he eventually finished third in the three-horse dash to the line, his connections believe the performance was the necessary “prep” for a return to peak fitness.

The quality of the contest was reflected on the stopwatch. The leaders crossed the line in a blistering 1:34, a time rarely clocked on local soil, signalling that both champions are currently operating at a continental standard.

Dataman’s Major Honours:

• Guyana Cup: Winner (Rising Sun)
• President’s Cup: Winner (Port Mourant)
• Banks Classic: Winner (Port Mourant)

The dust had barely settled before Slingerz Racing Stable owner Javed Ali issued a formal challenge for a championship rematch.

“That was not our best Olympic Kremlin,” Ali stated confidently. “He’s fitter now than he was going into that race. We want the rematch, and we want it as soon as possible. Next time, Guyana will see an Olympic Kremlin like never before.” (Modified  Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee Press Release)