Bella Riva stuns General JN to win Champagne Stakes

BELLA RIVA produced a stunning burst of speed to stun favourite General JN and win the National Flour Mills Champagne Stakes at the Santa Rosa Park, Arima on Saturday, as the Arima Race Club (ARC) 2021 season continued with Race Day Seven.

All the focus entering the Champagne Stakes was on General JN, who was seeking his third win on the trot.

Early Bird lived up to his tag, at least from the onset, as he set the pace before he was caught up by General JN, ridden by Dillon Khelawan, with 600 metres remaining, in this 1,600m turf race.

General JN, the 1-5 odds-on favourite, had a six-length lead with 100 metres remaining before Bella Riva, with Brian Boodramsing aboard, moved from first gear to fifth. In the blink of an eye, Bella Riva flew past General JN to emerge victorious in a time of one minute 38 seconds, followed by General JN and Wise Guy.

Sven Balroop II was the top jockey with two wins, but no trainer was able to earn more than one victory on the day.

The 2021 season will continue with Race Day Eight, on April 24.