Draft:Headliner (horse): Difference between revisions

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== Background ==

”’Headliner”’ is a chestnut colt with a narrow white [[Horse markings#Facial markings|blaze]] that starts at his forehead, and widens to the left side of his nose. He has one white [[Horse markings#Leg markings|pastern]] on his back left leg. He was born and trained on the [[Trinidad|Island of Trinidad]].

His sire, ”’Headline News”’, is notable for defeating the [[Jamaica|Jamaican]] powerhouse ”'[[Bigman In Town (horse)|Bigman In Town]]”’ in the 2013 Gold Cup.<ref>https://www.ttra.net/NominationRaceWinners/GoldCup.pdf</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-12-24 |title=Bigman to strike gold |url=https://trinidadexpress.com/news/local/bigman-to-strike-gold/article_b3cc3986-de79-5acc-8d59-f5dd3eba2bc2.html |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=Trinidad Express Newspapers |language=en}}

“Bigman In Town won last year’s Trinidad Derby Stakes and was runner-up to Headline News in this [Gold Cup] event last year,”</ref>, placing first in the event. He also won the Grade 1 Champagne Stakes in 2014<ref>https://www.ttra.net/NominationRaceWinners/ChampagneStakes.pdf

“Bigman In Town won last year’s Trinidad Derby Stakes and was runner-up to Headline News in this [Gold Cup] event last year,”</ref> placing first in the event. He also won the Grade 1 Champagne Stakes in 2014<ref>https://www.ttra.net/NominationRaceWinners/ChampagneStakes.pdf

PDF Via Trinidad and Tobago Racing Authority, from ‘Nomination Winners’ page;

https://www.ttra.net/SpecialArchives/NominationWinners/nominationwinners.html</ref>. Headliner’s dam, ”’B’s Passion”’, won the graded Oaks Stakes<ref>https://www.ttra.net/NominationRaceWinners/OaksStakes.pdf</ref> and Royal Colours Classic<ref>https://www.ttra.net/NominationRaceWinners/RoyalColoursClassic.pdf</ref>, being Grade 2 and Grade 3 events respectively.

https://www.ttra.net/SpecialArchives/NominationWinners/nominationwinners.html</ref> Headliner’s dam, ”’B’s Passion”’, won the graded Oaks Stakes<ref>https://www.ttra.net/NominationRaceWinners/OaksStakes.pdf</ref> and Royal Colours Classic<ref>https://www.ttra.net/NominationRaceWinners/RoyalColoursClassic.pdf</ref> being Grade 2 and Grade 3 events respectively.

[[File:ヘッドライナ前ブレイズ.png|thumb|191x191px|Headliner’s white blaze shown from the front.]]

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=== 2024: Two-year-old Season ===

On November 30th 2024<ref>{{Cite web |title=Raceday 12 – Saturday, November 30th 2024 – Race 3 Track Sloppy Turf Off – Arima Race Club |url=https://arimaraceclub.com/results/raceday-12-saturday-november-30th-2024-race-3/ |access-date=2025-12-09 |language=en}}</ref>, race 3, Headliner began his career with The Native Bred 3 Y.O Maidens, at Arima Race course, covering 1100 meters. He was the heavy favorite for the betting, landing himself with 1/5 odds against his rivals. Jockeyed by [[Dillon Khelawan]], Headliner was out of the gate slow, but quickly turned the race around, surging up and winning by a length. His next race was the 1350 meter Grade 2 First Citizens Juvenile Championship on December 26th 2024<ref>{{Cite web |title=Raceday 13 – Thursday, December 26th 2024 – Race 3 – Arima Race Club |url=https://arimaraceclub.com/entries/raceday-13-thursday-december-26th-2024-race-3/ |access-date=2025-12-09 |language=en}}</ref>. He was once again ridden by Dillon Khelawan, and took the lead within the first 200 meters. He was followed closely by stablemate Marmalade, but began to draw away by the 400 meter mark, securing his win by two and a half lengths.

On November 30th 2024<ref>{{Cite web |title=Raceday 12 – Saturday, November 30th 2024 – Race 3 Track Sloppy Turf Off – Arima Race Club |url=https://arimaraceclub.com/results/raceday-12-saturday-november-30th-2024-race-3/ |access-date=2025-12-09 |language=en}}</ref> race 3, Headliner began his career with The Native Bred 3 Y.O Maidens, at Arima Race course, covering 1100 meters. He was the heavy favorite for the betting, landing himself with 1/5 odds against his rivals. Jockeyed by [[Dillon Khelawan]], Headliner was out of the gate slow, but quickly turned the race around, surging up and winning by a length. His next race was the 1350 meter Grade 2 First Citizens Juvenile Championship on December 26th 2024<ref>{{Cite web |title=Raceday 13 – Thursday, December 26th 2024 – Race 3 – Arima Race Club |url=https://arimaraceclub.com/entries/raceday-13-thursday-december-26th-2024-race-3/ |access-date=2025-12-09 |language=en}}</ref> He was once again ridden by Dillon Khelawan, and took the lead within the first 200 meters. He was followed closely by stablemate Marmalade, but began to draw away by the 400 meter mark, securing his win by two and a half lengths.

=== 2025: Three-year-old Season ===

His first race of the year was with the 2000 meter Modified Benchmark 3 Y.O & Over (45-30), on January 25th.HHeadliner eadliner took the lead, as is his usual strategy, right before the first 100 meters. He continued to lead the pack until the end, widening the lead by sixth lengths, but ultimately finished by a comfortable four lengths. After his three-year-old debut, he was onto the 1600 meter Chief Commander Classic on March 29th<ref>{{Cite web |title=Raceday 03 – Saturday, March 29th 2025 – Race 6 – Arima Race Club |url=https://arimaraceclub.com/entries/raceday-03-saturday-march-29th-2025-race-6/ |access-date=2025-12-09 |language=en}}</ref>. He maintained a four length lead the whole race, hugging the inside rail and opening up to five lengths, and he won the race with a four and a third length gap between him and second placer Showtime. His trainer, John O’Brien was not surprised by his win, saying, “The Commander Classic was won by Headliner who we all expected to run very well as he has been unbeaten so far. He did perform really well, and won by four or five lengths.”<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walcott |first=Roneil |date=2025-04-03 |title=Champion trainer O’Brien lines up Champagne Stakes after Chief Commander win |url=https://newsday.co.tt/2025/04/03/champion-trainer-obrien-lines-up-champagne-stakes-after-chief-commander-win/ |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=Trinidad and Tobago Newsday |language=en-US}}</ref>

His first race of the year was with the 2000 meter Modified Benchmark 3 Y.O & Over (45-30), on January 25th.HHeadliner eadliner took the lead, as is his usual strategy, right before the first 100 meters. He continued to lead the pack until the end, widening the lead by sixth lengths, but ultimately finished by a comfortable four lengths. After his three-year-old debut, he was onto the 1600 meter Chief Commander Classic on March 29th<ref>{{Cite web |title=Raceday 03 – Saturday, March 29th 2025 – Race 6 – Arima Race Club |url=https://arimaraceclub.com/entries/raceday-03-saturday-march-29th-2025-race-6/ |access-date=2025-12-09 |language=en}}</ref> He maintained a four length lead the whole race, hugging the inside rail and opening up to five lengths, and he won the race with a four and a third length gap between him and second placer Showtime. His trainer, John O’Brien was not surprised by his win, saying, “The Commander Classic was won by Headliner who we all expected to run very well as he has been unbeaten so far. He did perform really well, and won by four or five lengths.”<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walcott |first=Roneil |date=2025-04-03 |title=Champion trainer O’Brien lines up Champagne Stakes after Chief Commander win |url=https://newsday.co.tt/2025/04/03/champion-trainer-obrien-lines-up-champagne-stakes-after-chief-commander-win/ |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=Trinidad and Tobago Newsday |language=en-US}}</ref>

After his smooth ride on the Chief Commander Classic, the next goal was the Triple Crown, following in the footsteps of his sister [[In The Headlines (horse)|In The Headlines]] who won the prior year’s crown<ref>https://www.guardian.co.tt/sports/in-the-headlines-wins-derby-and-triple-crown-6.2.1810772.e54f3b92a4

“The unbeaten three-year-old filly In The Headlines showed that she is a class act when she won the final leg of local racing ~~‘Triple~~ ~~Crown’~~, the Grade One Trinidad Derby, for champion trainer John ~~O’Brien~~ at Santa Rosa Park in Arima, on Monday.”</ref>. The first jewel was the Guineas on May 30th<ref>{{Cite web |title=Raceday 05 – Friday, May 30th 2025 – Race 5 – Arima Race Club |url=https://arimaraceclub.com/entries/raceday-05-friday-may-30th-2025-race-5/ |access-date=2025-12-09 |language=en}}</ref>; the 1800 meter Grade 1 event was his first true taste of longer races, but Headliner cleared the hurdle easily. He was the favorite for the odds on the seven horse card, notable rivals including Valiante, Showtime, Free Pass, and Supreme Leader. Starting on the outside in post seven, Headliner surged forward for the early lead, moving into the inside as he overtook Supreme Leader. With the rest of the pack stuck together, Headliner’s lead opened from eight lengths to eleven by the four hundred meter mark. Free Pass and Showtime battled for second while Headliner opened his lead even further, and the final ruling was Headliner first by ten and a third lengths, with Free Pass following far behind in second and Valante in third. The final running time was 1:58.10<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWukI-9q4VU |title=Arima Race Club – Day 5 May 30th 2025 Race-5 |date=2025-05-30 |last=Arima Race Club |access-date=2025-12-09 |via=YouTube}}</ref>.

“The unbeaten three-year-old filly In The Headlines showed that she is a class act when she won the final leg of local racing , the Grade One Trinidad Derby, for champion trainer John at Santa Rosa Park in Arima, on Monday.”</ref> The first jewel was the Guineas on May 30th<ref>{{Cite web |title=Raceday 05 – Friday, May 30th 2025 – Race 5 – Arima Race Club |url=https://arimaraceclub.com/entries/raceday-05-friday-may-30th-2025-race-5/ |access-date=2025-12-09 |language=en}}</ref>; the 1800 meter Grade 1 event was his first true taste of longer races, but Headliner cleared the hurdle easily. He was the favorite for the odds on the seven horse card, notable rivals including Valiante, Showtime, Free Pass, and Supreme Leader. Starting on the outside in post seven, Headliner surged forward for the early lead, moving into the inside as he overtook Supreme Leader. With the rest of the pack stuck together, Headliner’s lead opened from eight lengths to eleven by the four hundred meter mark. Free Pass and Showtime battled for second while Headliner opened his lead even further, and the final ruling was Headliner first by ten and a third lengths, with Free Pass following far behind in second and Valante in third. The final running time was 1:58.10<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWukI-9q4VU |title=Arima Race Club – Day 5 May 30th 2025 Race-5 |date=2025-05-30 |last=Arima Race Club |access-date=2025-12-09 |via=YouTube}}</ref>

When asked about his performance in the Guineas, jockey Dillon Khelawan stated, “The race took another turn when we were midway down the back-straight as he wanted to go even faster. Going down the back-straight he was travelling so well and going about his business as if it was a one-horse race. Going to the far turn, he was still some ten lengths clear and going extremely well. I thought that coming to the corner I should expect some challenges but that did not happen and Headliner just kept up the gallop all the way up the straight. That is how classy he is.”<ref>{{Cite web |title=Headliner won as he liked |url=http://www.guardian.co.tt/sports/headliner-won-as-he-liked-6.2.2323035.f2a200c66e |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=www.guardian.co.tt |language=en}}</ref> Khelawan also said, in high hopes, “I think he is the best three-year-old in training and I am looking forward to riding him in the Midsummer Classic and the Derby, the other races of the Triple Crown. He is indeed a very good horse who will take a world of catching in the next four months. He is exceptional.”<ref>{{Cite web |title=Headliner won as he liked |url=http://www.guardian.co.tt/sports/headliner-won-as-he-liked-6.2.2323035.f2a200c66e |access-date=2025-12-11 |website=www.guardian.co.tt |language=en}}</ref>

[[File:~~Headliner_After_The_Midsummer_Classic~~.jpg|thumb|279x279px|Headliner makes his way to the winner’s circle. Owner Mrs. Diane Scott (”right”), husband Pierpoint Scott (”left”), and grandchildren lead him, while Jockey Dillon Khelawan sits atop his back.]]

[[File:.jpg|thumb|279x279px|Headliner makes his way to the winner’s circle. Owner Mrs. Diane Scott (”right”), husband Pierpoint Scott (”left”), and grandchildren lead him, while Jockey Dillon Khelawan sits atop his back.]]

On the 1st of August, Headliner was off to the Midsummer Classic<ref>{{Cite web |title=Raceday 07 – Friday, August 01st 2025 – Race 7 – Arima Race Club |url=https://arimaraceclub.com/entries/raceday-07-friday-august-01st-2025-race-7/ |access-date=2025-12-09 |language=en}}</ref>, another 1800 meter race, where he was given a little more competition. 1/9 in the betting, once again he was up against six other horses, including his previous rivals Free Pass, Supreme Leader, Showtime and Valiante, and he was now also up against his stablemate Soca Ecstasy. Soca Ecstasy took the early lead from the start, however Headliner soon surged past her from the outside and overtook her onto the inside. As they rounded the corner just past the 1400 meter mark, Headliner began to open his lead, and Soca Ecstasy remained in second, opening up her own lead by a length as Headliner’s widened to seven. By the final stretch, the rest of the pack began to shift, and Showtime galloped his way into second. While not enough to fully catch up to Headliner, Showtime secured his place in second behind the winning colt, the gap being eight lengths.

On the 1st of August, Headliner was off to the Midsummer Classic<ref>{{Cite web |title=Raceday 07 – Friday, August 01st 2025 – Race 7 – Arima Race Club |url=https://arimaraceclub.com/entries/raceday-07-friday-august-01st-2025-race-7/ |access-date=2025-12-09 |language=en}}</ref> another 1800 meter race, where he was given a little more competition. 1/9 in the betting, once again he was up against six other horses, including his previous rivals Free Pass, Supreme Leader, Showtime and Valiante, and he was now also up against his stablemate Soca Ecstasy. Soca Ecstasy took the early lead from the start, however Headliner soon surged past her from the outside and overtook her onto the inside. As they rounded the corner just past the 1400 meter mark, Headliner began to open his lead, and Soca Ecstasy remained in second, opening up her own lead by a length as Headliner’s widened to seven. By the final stretch, the rest of the pack began to shift, and Showtime galloped his way into second. While not enough to fully catch up to Headliner, Showtime secured his place in second behind the winning colt, the gap being eight lengths.

Trainer John O’Brien, in high confidence after the colt’s performances in the two prior legs of the Triple Crown, said, “He is a good horse and has won all his races in superb fashion. There is the Derby to come and it will take a super-performance by another three-year-old to stop him from winning.”<ref>{{Cite web |title=Headliner wins second jewel impressively |url=http://www.guardian.co.tt/sports/headliner-wins-second-jewel-impressively-6.2.2368372.a27dd57658 |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=www.guardian.co.tt |language=en}}</ref> His owner, Mrs. Diane Scott, also delightedly added, “He is amazing. He goes off fast and keeps running.”<ref>{{Cite web |title=Headliner wins second jewel impressively |url=http://www.guardian.co.tt/sports/headliner-wins-second-jewel-impressively-6.2.2368372.a27dd57658 |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=www.guardian.co.tt |language=en}}</ref>

September 24th was the Trinidad Derby<ref>{{Cite web |title=Raceday 09 – Wednesday, September 24th 2025 – Race 6 – Arima Race Club |url=https://arimaraceclub.com/entries/raceday-09-wednesday-september-24th-2025-race-6/ |access-date=2025-12-09 |language=en}}</ref>, the final jewel needed for Headliner to brandish the title of Triple Crown Winner. His usual runner ups, Showtime, Valiante, and Free pass were present for the seven card event, and stablemate Soca Ecstasy joined in too. Immediately, Headliner started superbly out the gate, and took on his leader strategy. As the race continued Headliner’s lead stayed around two to four lengths, colts Show Time and Have A Great Day galloping against each other in a struggle for second. The favorite colt continued to lead a short distance by the 1200 meter mark, hugging in tight to the inner rail as Have A Great Day settled into second. As they passed 1100 meters, Headliner began to truly shine, opening up his lead to seven lengths, but he wasn’t finished just yet. As they moved to the corner, Headliner marched on to eight lengths, with the rest of the pack settling in as Have A Great Day in second, Valiante, Free Pass, Soca Ecstacy, and Showtime, who was trailing the furthest. At 200 meters, Headliner put eleven lengths between him and Have A Great Day, finishing the race and securing his title as Triple Crown by twelve and a half lengths.

September 24th was the Trinidad Derby<ref>{{Cite web |title=Raceday 09 – Wednesday, September 24th 2025 – Race 6 – Arima Race Club |url=https://arimaraceclub.com/entries/raceday-09-wednesday-september-24th-2025-race-6/ |access-date=2025-12-09 |language=en}}</ref> the final jewel needed for Headliner to brandish the title of Triple Crown Winner. His usual runner ups, Showtime, Valiante, and Free pass were present for the seven card event, and stablemate Soca Ecstasy joined in too. Immediately, Headliner started superbly out the gate, and took on his leader strategy. As the race continued Headliner’s lead stayed around two to four lengths, colts Show Time and Have A Great Day galloping against each other in a struggle for second. The favorite colt continued to lead a short distance by the 1200 meter mark, hugging in tight to the inner rail as Have A Great Day settled into second. As they passed 1100 meters, Headliner began to truly shine, opening up his lead to seven lengths, but he wasn’t finished just yet. As they moved to the corner, Headliner marched on to eight lengths, with the rest of the pack settling in as Have A Great Day in second, Valiante, Free Pass, Soca Ecstacy, and Showtime, who was trailing the furthest. At 200 meters, Headliner put eleven lengths between him and Have A Great Day, finishing the race and securing his title as Triple Crown by twelve and a half lengths.

Headliner gave Khelawan his first Triple Crown as a jockey, and he had much to say to interviewers. “This was not easy, winning a Triple Crown is not easy and it took months of hard work and commitment to achieve the success that Headliner has had during this season,”<ref>{{Cite web |title=Khelawan first Triple Crown success |url=http://www.guardian.co.tt/sports/khelawan-first-triple-crown-success-6.2.2411066.4ce53c73dd |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=www.guardian.co.tt |language=en}}</ref> said the champion jockey, “He broke well and I made all the running. He went clear going down the back and was travelling best of all coming to the corner. He ran on well to the line. I never doubted he would win the Triple Crown and he won in style. He will continue to improve.”<ref>{{Cite web |title=Khelawan first Triple Crown success |url=http://www.guardian.co.tt/sports/khelawan-first-triple-crown-success-6.2.2411066.4ce53c73dd |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=www.guardian.co.tt |language=en}}</ref> Khelawan also added, “He has shown remarkable improvement and will go well in his next contest and maintain his unbeaten record.”<ref>{{Cite web |title=Khelawan first Triple Crown success |url=http://www.guardian.co.tt/sports/khelawan-first-triple-crown-success-6.2.2411066.4ce53c73dd |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=www.guardian.co.tt |language=en}}</ref>

After achieving his undefeated Triple Crown success, the star colt was soon struck with his first defeat on December 6th. He was up against top class runners in the Stewards Cup Grade 1<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reporter |first=Newsday |date=2025-12-08 |title=Hello World demolishes rivals in Santa Rosa |url=https://newsday.co.tt/2025/12/08/hello-world-demolishes-rivals-in-santa-rosa/ |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=Trinidad and Tobago Newsday |language=en-US}}</ref>, the most notable among them being Tangle Wood Champion<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hello World starts T&T Carnival in Barbados |url=http://www.guardian.co.tt/sports/hello-world-starts-tt-carnival-in-barbados-6.2.2246017.01abde8522 |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=www.guardian.co.tt |language=en}}</ref> ”'[[Hello World (horse)|Hello World]]”’, who was the one to crush his streak. Despite not being having his usual jockey, Headliner was fast out the gate for the 1100 meter event. He took on his early lead on the inside, but ultimately, he was overtaken by Hello World. Headliner finished second to Hello World, with a gap of five lengths between him and the first placer, and only a half length between him and third place filly Sneaky Cheeky.

After achieving his undefeated Triple Crown success, the star colt was soon struck with his first defeat on December 6th. He was up against top class runners in the Stewards Cup Grade 1<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reporter |first=Newsday |date=2025-12-08 |title=Hello World demolishes rivals in Santa Rosa |url=https://newsday.co.tt/2025/12/08/hello-world-demolishes-rivals-in-santa-rosa/ |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=Trinidad and Tobago Newsday |language=en-US}}</ref> the most notable among them being Tangle Wood Champion<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hello World starts T&T Carnival in Barbados |url=http://www.guardian.co.tt/sports/hello-world-starts-tt-carnival-in-barbados-6.2.2246017.01abde8522 |access-date=2025-12-09 |website=www.guardian.co.tt |language=en}}</ref> ”'[[Hello World (horse)|Hello World]]”’, who was the one to crush his streak. Despite not being having his usual jockey, Headliner was fast out the gate for the 1100 meter event. He took on his early lead on the inside, but ultimately, he was overtaken by Hello World. Headliner finished second to Hello World, with a gap of five lengths between him and the first placer, and only a half length between him and third place filly Sneaky Cheeky.

== Racing statistics ==

The data below has been sourced from Trinidad and Tobago Racing Authority<ref>{{Cite web |title=HorsesInfo |url=https://www.ttra.net/NominationRaces/HorsesInfo/HorsesInfo.asp?Mode=2&Yr=10&Horse+id=15596&Submit=View+Horse+Info |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.ttra.net}}</ref>, physical race books, and the Arima Race Club Official Website<ref>{{Cite web |title=Raceday 12 – Saturday, November 30th 2024 – Race 3 Track Sloppy Turf Off – Arima Race Club |url=https://arimaraceclub.com/results/raceday-12-saturday-november-30th-2024-race-3/ |access-date=2025-12-11 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Raceday 13 – Thursday, December 26th 2024 – Race 3 – Arima Race Club |url=https://arimaraceclub.com/entries/raceday-13-thursday-december-26th-2024-race-3/ |access-date=2025-12-11 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Raceday 01 – Saturday, January, 25th 2025 – Race 6 Turf Good – Arima Race Club |url=https://arimaraceclub.com/results/raceday-01-saturday-january-25th-2025-race-6-turf-good/ |access-date=2025-12-11 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Raceday 03 – Saturday, March, 29th 2025 – Race 6 Track: Fast Turf: Firm – Arima Race Club |url=https://arimaraceclub.com/results/raceday-03-saturday-march-29th-2025-race-6-track-fast-turf-firm/ |access-date=2025-12-11 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Raceday 05 – Friday, May 30th 2025 – Race 5 – Arima Race Club |url=https://arimaraceclub.com/entries/raceday-05-friday-may-30th-2025-race-5/ |access-date=2025-12-11 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Raceday 09 – Wednesday, September 24th 2025 – Race 6 – Arima Race Club |url=https://arimaraceclub.com/entries/raceday-09-wednesday-september-24th-2025-race-6/ |access-date=2025-12-11 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Raceday 11 – Saturday, December 06th 2025 – Race 5 – Arima Race Club |url=https://arimaraceclub.com/entries/raceday-11-saturday-december-06th-2025-race-5/ |access-date=2025-12-11 |language=en}}</ref>.

The data below has been sourced from Trinidad and Tobago Racing Authority<ref>{{Cite web |title=HorsesInfo |url=https://www.ttra.net/NominationRaces/HorsesInfo/HorsesInfo.asp?Mode=2&Yr=10&Horse+id=15596&Submit=View+Horse+Info |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=www.ttra.net}}</ref> physical race books, and the Arima Race Club Official Website<ref>{{Cite web |title=Raceday 12 – Saturday, November 30th 2024 – Race 3 Track Sloppy Turf Off – Arima Race Club |url=https://arimaraceclub.com/results/raceday-12-saturday-november-30th-2024-race-3/ |access-date=2025-12-11 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Raceday 13 – Thursday, December 26th 2024 – Race 3 – Arima Race Club |url=https://arimaraceclub.com/entries/raceday-13-thursday-december-26th-2024-race-3/ |access-date=2025-12-11 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Raceday 01 – Saturday, January, 25th 2025 – Race 6 Turf Good – Arima Race Club |url=https://arimaraceclub.com/results/raceday-01-saturday-january-25th-2025-race-6-turf-good/ |access-date=2025-12-11 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Raceday 03 – Saturday, March, 29th 2025 – Race 6 Track: Fast Turf: Firm – Arima Race Club |url=https://arimaraceclub.com/results/raceday-03-saturday-march-29th-2025-race-6-track-fast-turf-firm/ |access-date=2025-12-11 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Raceday 05 – Friday, May 30th 2025 – Race 5 – Arima Race Club |url=https://arimaraceclub.com/entries/raceday-05-friday-may-30th-2025-race-5/ |access-date=2025-12-11 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Raceday 09 – Wednesday, September 24th 2025 – Race 6 – Arima Race Club |url=https://arimaraceclub.com/entries/raceday-09-wednesday-september-24th-2025-race-6/ |access-date=2025-12-11 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Raceday 11 – Saturday, December 06th 2025 – Race 5 – Arima Race Club |url=https://arimaraceclub.com/entries/raceday-11-saturday-december-06th-2025-race-5/ |access-date=2025-12-11 |language=en}}</ref>

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Declined by MCE89 58 minutes ago. Last edited by Rambley 36 seconds ago. Reviewer: Inform author.

This draft has been resubmitted and is currently awaiting re-review.

Headliner

Sire	Headline News
Grandsire	Silver Train
Dam	B’s Passion
Damsire	Precise Sweep
Sex	Colt
Foaled	12 March 2022
Country	Trinidad
Colour	Chestnut
Breeder	Mrs. Diane Scott
Owner	Mrs. Diane Scott
Trainer	John O’Brien
Record	8:7-1-0
Earnings	TT ~$21,2872.00
First Citizens Juvenile Championship (2024) Chief Commander Classic (2025) Guineas (2025) Midsummer Classic (2025) Trinidad Derby (2025)

Headliner (foaled March 17th 2022) is an active Thoroughbred racehorse, best known for winning the Trinidadian Triple Crown in 2025. He was undefeated for his two starts in 2024, including the Grade 2 First Citizens Juvenile Championship. He maintained this winning streak for five more starts during 2025, the notable races being the Guineas, Midsummer Classic, and Trinidad Derby, completing his undefeated Triple Crown.

Background

Headliner is a chestnut colt with a narrow white blaze that starts at his forehead, and widens to the left side of his nose. He has one white pastern on his back left leg. He was born and trained on the Island of Trinidad.

His sire, Headline News, is notable for defeating the Jamaican powerhouse Bigman In Town in the 2013 Gold Cup.,^[1]^[2] placing first in the event. He also won the Grade 1 Champagne Stakes in 2014.^[3] Headliner’s dam, B’s Passion, won the graded Oaks Stakes^[4] and Royal Colours Classic,^[5] being Grade 2 and Grade 3 events respectively.

Headliner’s white blaze shown from the front.

Racing career

2024: Two-year-old Season

On November 30th 2024,^[6] race 3, Headliner began his career with The Native Bred 3 Y.O Maidens, at Arima Race course, covering 1100 meters. He was the heavy favorite for the betting, landing himself with 1/5 odds against his rivals. Jockeyed by Dillon Khelawan, Headliner was out of the gate slow, but quickly turned the race around, surging up and winning by a length. His next race was the 1350 meter Grade 2 First Citizens Juvenile Championship on December 26th 2024.^[7] He was once again ridden by Dillon Khelawan, and took the lead within the first 200 meters. He was followed closely by stablemate Marmalade, but began to draw away by the 400 meter mark, securing his win by two and a half lengths.

2025: Three-year-old Season

After his smooth ride on the Chief Commander Classic, the next goal was the Triple Crown, following in the footsteps of his sister In The Headlines who won the prior year’s crown.^[10] The first jewel was the Guineas on May 30th^[11]; the 1800 meter Grade 1 event was his first true taste of longer races, but Headliner cleared the hurdle easily. He was the favorite for the odds on the seven horse card, notable rivals including Valiante, Showtime, Free Pass, and Supreme Leader. Starting on the outside in post seven, Headliner surged forward for the early lead, moving into the inside as he overtook Supreme Leader. With the rest of the pack stuck together, Headliner’s lead opened from eight lengths to eleven by the four hundred meter mark. Free Pass and Showtime battled for second while Headliner opened his lead even further, and the final ruling was Headliner first by ten and a third lengths, with Free Pass following far behind in second and Valante in third. The final running time was 1:58.10.^[12]

Headliner makes his way to the winner’s circle. Owner Mrs. Diane Scott (*right*), husband Pierpoint Scott (*left*), and grandchildren lead him, while Jockey Dillon Khelawan sits atop his back.

On the 1st of August, Headliner was off to the Midsummer Classic,^[15] another 1800 meter race, where he was given a little more competition. 1/9 in the betting, once again he was up against six other horses, including his previous rivals Free Pass, Supreme Leader, Showtime and Valiante, and he was now also up against his stablemate Soca Ecstasy. Soca Ecstasy took the early lead from the start, however Headliner soon surged past her from the outside and overtook her onto the inside. As they rounded the corner just past the 1400 meter mark, Headliner began to open his lead, and Soca Ecstasy remained in second, opening up her own lead by a length as Headliner’s widened to seven. By the final stretch, the rest of the pack began to shift, and Showtime galloped his way into second. While not enough to fully catch up to Headliner, Showtime secured his place in second behind the winning colt, the gap being eight lengths.

September 24th was the Trinidad Derby,^[18] the final jewel needed for Headliner to brandish the title of Triple Crown Winner. His usual runner ups, Showtime, Valiante, and Free pass were present for the seven card event, and stablemate Soca Ecstasy joined in too. Immediately, Headliner started superbly out the gate, and took on his leader strategy. As the race continued Headliner’s lead stayed around two to four lengths, colts Show Time and Have A Great Day galloping against each other in a struggle for second. The favorite colt continued to lead a short distance by the 1200 meter mark, hugging in tight to the inner rail as Have A Great Day settled into second. As they passed 1100 meters, Headliner began to truly shine, opening up his lead to seven lengths, but he wasn’t finished just yet. As they moved to the corner, Headliner marched on to eight lengths, with the rest of the pack settling in as Have A Great Day in second, Valiante, Free Pass, Soca Ecstacy, and Showtime, who was trailing the furthest. At 200 meters, Headliner put eleven lengths between him and Have A Great Day, finishing the race and securing his title as Triple Crown by twelve and a half lengths.

After achieving his undefeated Triple Crown success, the star colt was soon struck with his first defeat on December 6th. He was up against top class runners in the Stewards Cup Grade 1,^[22] the most notable among them being Tangle Wood Champion^[23] Hello World, who was the one to crush his streak. Despite not being having his usual jockey, Headliner was fast out the gate for the 1100 meter event. He took on his early lead on the inside, but ultimately, he was overtaken by Hello World. Headliner finished second to Hello World, with a gap of five lengths between him and the first placer, and only a half length between him and third place filly Sneaky Cheeky.

Racing statistics

The data below has been sourced from Trinidad and Tobago Racing Authority,^[24] physical race books, and the Arima Race Club Official Website.^[25]^[26]^[27]^[28]^[29]^[30]^[31]

Date	Track	Race	Grade	Distance	HN	Odds	Finish	Time (race time)	Jockey	Winner (Runner-up)
2024 – two-year-old season
Nov 30	Arima	Native Bred 2 Y.O. Maidens		1,100 m	2	1/5	1st	1:09.4	Dillon Khelawan	(Valiante)
Dec 26	Arima	First Citizens Juvinile Championship	GIII	1,350 m	5	1/1	1st	1:25.3	Dillon Khelawan	(Marmalade)
2025 – three-year-old season
Jan 25	Arima	Modified Benchmark 3 Y.O. & Over (45-30)		1,500 m	2	1/5	1st	1:36.4	Dillon Khelawan	(Schwarzenegger)
Mar 29	Arima	Chief Commander Classic	GII	1,600 m	6	1/9	1st	1:39.4	Dillon Khelawan	(Showtime)
May 30	Arima	Guineas	GI	1,800 m	7	1/9	1st	1:58.0	Dillon Khelawan	(Free Pass)
Aug 1	Arima	Midsummer Classic	GI	1,800 m	4	1/9	1st	1:57.4	Dillon Khelawan	(Free Pass)
Sep 24	Arima	Trinidad Derby Stakes	GI	2,000 m	1	1/5	1st	2:09.4	Dillon Khelawan	(Have A Great Day)
Dec 6	Arima	Steward’s Cup	GI	1,200	3	8/5	2st	(1:12.0)	Brian Boodramsingh	Hello World

Pedigree of Headliner (TT), chestnut colt, 2022
Sire Headline News (TRI) b. 2010	Silver Train (USA) d.b. 2002	Old Trieste (USA)	A.P. Indy (USA)
		Old Trieste (USA)	Lovelier Linda (USA)
		Ridden In The Stars (USA)	Cormorant (USA)
		Ridden In The Stars (USA)	Shelter Strait (USA)
	IGOTASPELLONU (USA)	Grand Slam (USA)	Gone West (USA)
		Grand Slam (USA)	Bright Candles (USA)
		Dutchess Mojo (USA)	Deputy Minister (CAN)
		Dutchess Mojo (USA)	Blissful (USA)
Dam B’s Passion (TRI) dk. b. 2008	Precise Sweep (USA) dk. b. 1999	End Sweep (USA)	Forty Niner (USA)
		End Sweep (USA)	Broom Dance
		Precisely (USA)	Summing (USA)
		Precisely (USA)	Crisp N’ Clear (USA)
	Flying Millie (JAM)	Sir Lal Bahadur (CAN)	Vice Regent (CAN)
		Sir Lal Bahadur (CAN)	Forleana (CAN)
		Flying Mal (USA)	Aeronaut (USA)
		Flying Mal (USA)	My Gal Mal (USA)

References

^ https://www.ttra.net/NominationRaceWinners/GoldCup.pdf
^ “Bigman to strike gold”. Trinidad Express Newspapers. 2014-12-24. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
“Bigman In Town won last year’s Trinidad Derby Stakes and was runner-up to Headline News in this [Gold Cup] event last year,”
^ https://www.ttra.net/NominationRaceWinners/ChampagneStakes.pdf
PDF Via Trinidad and Tobago Racing Authority, from ‘Nomination Winners’ page;

https://www.ttra.net/SpecialArchives/NominationWinners/nominationwinners.html
^ https://www.ttra.net/NominationRaceWinners/OaksStakes.pdf
^ https://www.ttra.net/NominationRaceWinners/RoyalColoursClassic.pdf
^ “Raceday 12 – Saturday, November 30th 2024 – Race 3 Track Sloppy Turf Off – Arima Race Club”. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
^ “Raceday 13 – Thursday, December 26th 2024 – Race 3 – Arima Race Club”. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
^ “Raceday 03 – Saturday, March 29th 2025 – Race 6 – Arima Race Club”. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
^ Walcott, Roneil (2025-04-03). “Champion trainer O’Brien lines up Champagne Stakes after Chief Commander win”. Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
^ https://www.guardian.co.tt/sports/in-the-headlines-wins-derby-and-triple-crown-6.2.1810772.e54f3b92a4
“The unbeaten three-year-old filly In The Headlines showed that she is a class act when she won the final leg of local racing ‘Triple Crown’, the Grade One Trinidad Derby, for champion trainer John O’Brien at Santa Rosa Park in Arima, on Monday.”
^ “Raceday 05 – Friday, May 30th 2025 – Race 5 – Arima Race Club”. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
^ Arima Race Club (2025-05-30). Arima Race Club – Day 5 May 30th 2025 Race-5. Retrieved 2025-12-09 – via YouTube.
^ “Headliner won as he liked”. www.guardian.co.tt. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
^ “Headliner won as he liked”. www.guardian.co.tt. Retrieved 2025-12-11.
^ “Raceday 07 – Friday, August 01st 2025 – Race 7 – Arima Race Club”. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
^ “Headliner wins second jewel impressively”. www.guardian.co.tt. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
^ “Headliner wins second jewel impressively”. www.guardian.co.tt. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
^ “Raceday 09 – Wednesday, September 24th 2025 – Race 6 – Arima Race Club”. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
^ “Khelawan first Triple Crown success”. www.guardian.co.tt. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
^ “Khelawan first Triple Crown success”. www.guardian.co.tt. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
^ “Khelawan first Triple Crown success”. www.guardian.co.tt. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
^ Reporter, Newsday (2025-12-08). “Hello World demolishes rivals in Santa Rosa”. Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
^ “Hello World starts T&T Carnival in Barbados”. www.guardian.co.tt. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
^ “HorsesInfo”. www.ttra.net. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
^ “Raceday 12 – Saturday, November 30th 2024 – Race 3 Track Sloppy Turf Off – Arima Race Club”. Retrieved 2025-12-11.
^ “Raceday 13 – Thursday, December 26th 2024 – Race 3 – Arima Race Club”. Retrieved 2025-12-11.
^ “Raceday 01 – Saturday, January, 25th 2025 – Race 6 Turf Good – Arima Race Club”. Retrieved 2025-12-11.
^ “Raceday 03 – Saturday, March, 29th 2025 – Race 6 Track: Fast Turf: Firm – Arima Race Club”. Retrieved 2025-12-11.
^ “Raceday 05 – Friday, May 30th 2025 – Race 5 – Arima Race Club”. Retrieved 2025-12-11.
^ “Raceday 09 – Wednesday, September 24th 2025 – Race 6 – Arima Race Club”. Retrieved 2025-12-11.
^ “Raceday 11 – Saturday, December 06th 2025 – Race 5 – Arima Race Club”. Retrieved 2025-12-11.
^ “Headliner Horse Pedigree”. www.pedigreequery.com. Retrieved 2025-12-10.

Background

Racing career

2024: Two-year-old Season

2025: Three-year-old Season

Racing statistics

References

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