Secret Traveller bags Fan Appreciation feature

Javaniel Patterson started a new season of horse racing at Caymanas Park with a two-timer, opening the nine-race card with 4-1 shot LICI'S PEPSI in the New Year's Day Trophy, and returned to boot home 3-5 favourite FOOT SOLDIER in the $1m McKay Security Trophy for $180,000 claimers.

The third feature on the holiday card, the nine-furlong-and-25-yard Fan Appreciation Day Trophy for overnight allowance runners was won by 5-1 chance SECRET TRAVELLER, partnered by five-time former champion jockey Trevor Simpson on his first day in the saddle on winter break from North America.

LICI'S PEPSI turned the tables on howling favourite MY SUPER GIRL in the season opener after finishing behind the Philip Feanny-trained filly in her last two races.

Patterson broke the Blue Pepsi Lodge-First Choice filly sharply but was quickly relegated by MY SUPER GIRL. However, LICI'S PEPSI attacked the speedster coming off the home turn and ran off to win by five and a quarter lengths.

WALK IN THE PARK

FOOT SOLDIER was a walk in the park, woefully out of class, qualifying to race among $180,000 claimers because he was a pawn for Anthony Nunes in his failed attempt to unseat champion trainer Wayne DaCosta.

The five-year-old grey took over the nine-furlong-and-25-yard race entering the backstretch and strolled to a 10-length win ahead of CHIEF PROSPECT.

Simpson, 49, was his usual bustling self aboard SECRET TRAVELLER, getting a good break aboard the Patrick Lynch-trained five-year-old before being overtaken by speedy LIGHTNING LILY.

Further relegated to third by 4-5 favourite DRUMMER BOY, who went past LIGHTNING LILY three and a half furlongs out, SECRET TRAVELLER attacked the new leader entering the straight and proved stronger after a brief duel, winning by two lengths.

ROYAL VIBES ran on into second place past former stablemate DRUMMER BOY, who was terribly one-paced leaving the furlong pole, losing the runner-up spot by a half-length.

Racing returns at the weekend with the likes of Simpson and Barbadian Simon Husbands joining new champion Anthony Thomas, Walker and Dane Nelson jostling for winners.