The Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) has made a controversial decision to overturn the stewards’ ruling in the second race at Caymanas Park on October 21, 2024. The initial decision to disqualify Tekapunt from first place and move the horse to third due to interference with My Sunshine caused uproar among punters and ultimately led to the abandonment of the remaining races.
After an appeal by Tekapunt’s connections, the JRC board reviewed the race replay and determined that there was insufficient evidence to support the stewards’ decision. Chairman Clovis Metcalfe stated that the board found that My Sunshine had initially interfered with Tekapunt, leading to the horse’s demotion.
Several key factors were highlighted in the decision to reverse the ruling. These included the lack of jockey objections, rushed decision-making by stewards, mutual interference between jockeys Raddesh Roman and Samantha Fletcher, and infractions by Omar Walker.
Metcalfe emphasized that Roman and Fletcher were engaged in a tense battle down the stretch, with both jockeys making contact with each other’s horses. Additionally, Walker’s actions were deemed to be a contributing factor to the interference.
As a result of the JRC’s decision, Tekapunt has been reinstated as the winner of the race, with Salud moved to second place and My Sunshine placed third.
The controversy surrounding the second race at Caymanas Park on October 21, 2024, serves as a reminder of the fine margins and high stakes in horse racing. The JRC’s decision will undoubtedly spark further debate and discussion within the racing community.
