Racecourse owner apologises for cancellation after angry punters erupt over disqualification

The owners of Jamaica’s only racecourse apologised to customers after the cancellation of one of its showcase meetings.

Caymanas Park, built on a former sugar estate in Portmore, hosted its ‘Heroes Day’ on Monday. The action is regularly simulcast to betting locations across North America.

But only two races were completed after an angry reaction to a decision by Jamaica Racing Commission Stewards to disqualify the odds-on winner of the second race.

Tekapunt, ridden by Samantha Fletcher, was sent of 4-5 favourite and finished first past the post, but after the horse was found to have caused interference to third placed finisher My Sunshine, the result was amended.

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Tekapunt was disqualified and place third and the original runner-up, Salud, was promoted to first, handing jockey Raddesh Roman his 110th win of the year and bring him level at the top of the jockeys table with Tevin Foster. Punters have become heavily invested in their personal head-to-head.

There was uproar following the announcement with fans upending garbage bins, throwing debris onto the track and blocking the tunnel between the parade ring and the racecourse.

My Sunshine’s jockey Omar Walker, whose mount was the victim of the interference, reportedly had objects thrown at him.

The third race was scrapped due to safety concerns and eventually the whole meeting abandoned when calm could not be restored.

JRC general manager Richard Longmore, speaking to CVM News, said: “It’s rather unfortunate that this occurred on a ‘Heroes Day’ race meet.”

He explained that the stewards’ panel reviewing race 2 had determined there was interference and intimidation.

“The public was not very much in agreement,” he said. “Some of our punters did not see where there was anything for the disqualification which led to the series of events that occurred.

“Unfortunately due to the timeline and the progression of race number three, racing number four, they had to be individually cancelled. Eventually we saw the need, with the racing promoter due to the safety and concerns in terms of what was happening, to abandon.

“One of the things we have noticed and what is a concern to us is that the betting public is very much a part of the fabric of our racing industry and we want to ensure that at all times our decisions are in alignment with international best practices. It is for that reason, we will be looking into the matter.”

In a statement, the track’s owners Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Ltd said: "On Monday, October 21, 2024, a series of unfortunate events led to the disruption and subsequent cancellation of races at Caymanas Park by the Jamaica Racing Commission Stewards."

"After the announcement of the race results, some punters became agitated and expressed their dissatisfaction in a manner that compromised the safety and security of all present. This included the throwing of debris across the Park, creating an unsafe environment for patrons, participants, and horses alike.

"In light of this development and prioritizing the safety of the horses, horsemen, punters, and all attendees, the stewards made the decision to abandon race 4 and subsequently, the entire race meet for the day.

"Supreme Ventures Racing & Entertainment Limited, the operator of Caymanas Park, extends our sincerest apologies to our valued customers and stakeholders for the inconvenience caused by the abandonment of the race meet."