Political shake-up rocks the Caribbean Classic: Panama and Venezuela avoid each other for the second year in a row
Definitely, the best stars will not be gathered on the main stage of equestrian sport in the American continent, the Caribbean Classic, but the event maintains significant attractions that will not go unnoticed by the numerous spectators who will gather this Sunday at the Presidente Remón racetrack.
For political reasons, absurd, to tell the truth, Venezuela declined to participate, despite being historically one of the main protagonists of the event.
Last year, Panama also did not send representatives to the classic held on Venezuelan territory.
According to experts, this exchange of absences is not a simple coincidence but a true diplomatic rupture in the stables, a silent but clear message: 'If you didn't run here, I don't run there either.'
Mexico, for its part, arrives with a reduced delegation due to the economic problems facing its equestrian environment, which reduces its options to improve its position in the statistics of wins of these Caribbean classics, where it is among the leaders.
In the historical table, Panama dominates with 16 winners, followed by Venezuela (15), Mexico (14), Puerto Rico (8), and with one each, Colombia and the Dominican Republic.
The main course of the racing series will be the International Caribbean Classic, which in its 57th edition will feature eight competitors, mostly Panamanian horses, vying for the best part of a $350,000 prize over a distance of 1,800 meters.
Star jockeys on the card
In this edition, top-tier jockeys will participate, led by Puerto Rican Irad Ortiz Jr., a four-time Eclipse Award winner for best jockey in the United States. Panama's hopes are strengthened by the presence of Panamanian Luis Sáez, considered the best national jockey in the United States at the moment, who will ride Brigo (Pan.).
Ortiz will ride the horse Lodyto Race (Mex.).
'Caribbean Classic without its maximum stars, but with attractions that promise to ignite the stands'.
