The racing industry in Jamaica was rocked by controversy on Monday, October 21, 2024, as a decision to disqualify the winner of the second race at Caymanas Park led to chaos and the eventual abandonment of the entire race meet.
The incident occurred during the ‘Heroes Day’ meeting at Caymanas Park, which is known for its high-stakes races and is simulcast to betting locations across North America. The odds-on favorite, Tekapunt, ridden by Samantha Fletcher, was initially declared the winner of the second race but was later disqualified for causing interference to another horse, My Sunshine.
The disqualification of Tekapunt and the subsequent promotion of Salud to first place caused an uproar among punters, who felt that the decision was unfair. Fans expressed their anger by upending garbage bins, throwing debris onto the track, and even targeting jockeys with objects.
The situation escalated to the point where the third race had to be scrapped due to safety concerns, and ultimately the entire meeting was abandoned when calm could not be restored. JRC General Manager Richard Longmore expressed regret over the incident, noting that the stewards’ decision had led to a series of unfortunate events.
In a statement, the track’s owners, Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited, apologized to customers and stakeholders for the inconvenience caused by the abandonment of the race meet. They emphasized their commitment to prioritizing the safety of all participants and attendees at Caymanas Park.
The incident at Caymanas Park serves as a reminder of the passion and intensity of the racing industry, where decisions made on the track can have far-reaching consequences. It also highlights the importance of ensuring that these decisions are in line with international best practices to maintain the integrity of the sport.
