Press Conference Wins Thrilling Nigel B Nunes Memorial Cup
Jockey Raddesh Roman, along with owners Oneil Hinds and Shauna-Kay Hinds, celebrated a thrilling victory aboard six-year-old chestnut gelding Press Conference in the $1.25-million Nigel B Nunes Memorial Cup on Sunday, October 20, 2024.
In a heart-stopping finale, Press Conference produced a late surge to nose out Joy Is Golden by a neck in the Overnight Allowance contest held over the straight course at five furlongs. Trained by Ian Roberts, Press Conference, ridden by Roman, crossed the finish line in a blistering 59.0 seconds, showcasing his exceptional ability to thrive in challenging conditions.
Roberts was beaming with joy after the race, praising his horse’s performance and resilience. He mentioned that Press Conference loves the muddy and sloppy conditions, proving to be a force to be reckoned with in these circumstances. Despite a slow start and struggling to find racing room, Roman’s patience and expert guidance ultimately led to a thrilling comeback for Press Conference.
Looking ahead, Roberts remains cautious and prioritizes Press Conference’s recovery before deciding on future races. He expressed his eagerness to see what opportunities lie ahead for his talented gelding.
Roman also shared his insights on the heart-stopping ride aboard Press Conference, reflecting on the moments of worry and excitement during the race. Despite missing the break and falling behind at the start, Roman remained composed and guided Press Conference to a winning position with a well-timed surge towards the finish line.
The thrilling victory of Press Conference in the Nigel B Nunes Memorial Cup will be remembered as an impressive display of skill, determination, and teamwork between jockey, trainer, and horse. As they bask in the glory of this victory, all eyes will be on Press Conference as he looks towards future challenges on the racetrack.
