Big Ben Wins Accra Metropolitan Assembly Centenary Race

Accra, (Greater Accra) 8 Nov.,

Accra, (Greater Accra) 8 Nov., ''Big Ben'' ridden by Dangimah Kasimu stunned spectators at the Accra Turf Club when he beat pre-race favourite ''Zanziba'' to third place to lift the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) Centenary cup today. He was closely followed by Victory and Zanziba. Nii Nortey Duah, Presiding member of the AMA, later presented a magnificent trophy to the winner. The race opened to horses classified in division ''3 B'' over a distance of 1,600 metres fetched a tote of 1,800. Sweet Marino ridden by veteran jockey Joe Sackey set a crackling pace at the start of the race but was overtaken by Bani-Obati half-way through. However, just before the Accra International Conference Centre bend, Big Ben came from nowhere to overtake the rest and maintained the lead to finish at two minutes, three seconds. Results of other races: Race; ''Ablekuma Purse'' -- 1. Ataa Kojo Valentine, 2. Comforting Echoes, 3. Suzzy. Time: 1:20 sec tote: 1,400 cedis. Race: ''Okaikoi Handicap'' -- 1. Raja, 2. Chase II, 3. Once More. Time: 1:30 sec tote: 4,000 cedis.