Page 120 - Majestic Vol 6
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INSIDER
As a member of the racing industry, I was in awe of the
magnitude of the project being described to me and the
painstaking attention to detail taken to ensure its future
success on a global scale. But, as the niece of the man who
started it all, I was in awe of my uncle. Watching him work
that weekend, hustling back and forth between government
officials, the China Horse Club team, family and friends, as
his lifelong dream became a reality, I could not have been
more proud.
Winston reached out to Teo and explained to him why Sadly, most people in racing will never know the name
St Lucia was the perfect place for a racetrack. Teo not Winston Trim. I can only hope that some of the people
only agreed, but found plenty of other aspects of the island who will walk through the gates of St Lucia’s first racetrack
nation that would make it attractive for both the Chinese will have stumbled upon this piece and realise the track’s
and the international racing community. And with that, the significance because it will be much more than just a racing
Pearl of the Caribbean was born. venue.
The project, which will be located on 700ac in the mostly The Pearl of the Caribbean will be a new future for an
undeveloped southern end of the island known as Vieux island of kind, hardworking people, But, more than that,
Fort, became much bigger than even Winston originally it will be the culmination of 30 years of one man’s endless
imagined. The racetrack will include top-of-the-line dirt determination, hard work, patience, creativity and passion.
and turf courses, state-of-the-art barns, a quarantine It will be the legacy of Winston Trim, a man who was not
facility, veterinary clinic, lush paddocks and an elaborate afraid to dream big and never let anyone discourage him.
grandstand. In addition to the track, the project will also
include luxury resorts, waterfront villas, restaurants, a If things remain on schedule, St Lucia will host its first official
casino, shopping, a marina for cruise ships and much more. horse race at the end of this year and I’ll be there standing at
the finish line. When that first horse crosses the wire, I’ll look
up, smile and remember the man who made it possible.
As well as to developing a relatively untouched portion The man who is the reason I stood at the finish line when
of the island, the Pearl of the Caribbean project will also American Pharoah became the first Triple Crown winner
provide a major boost to St Lucia’s economy and make a in 37 years and when Arrogate shattered his first record in
big impact on the very high unemployment rate, which is the Travers. The man who is the reason I am able to put my
exceptionally prominent in the 25 to 45 age range. That was foot in the stirrup every morning and clear my head with a
a major part of Winston’s vision, helping his people and his good ride. The man who introduced me to the animal and
beloved country. the sport that became my passion, career and life.
A ground breaking ceremony was held at the site of the I hope after reading this, some of you – especially anyone
racetrack in November and thanks to Winston, and the that ends up standing beside me at that racetrack – will
tenacity and determination he passed on to me, I was one remember Winston Trim too, and more importantly, will
of three reporters on the invite list, which included HRH be inspired to pursue your own dreams no matter how big.
Prince Harry of Wales, as well as several international
racing dignitaries. Keep on riding, Winston. Because of you, I know I will.
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