Egerton Chang (left), managing director Capital Betting and Wagering Limited, presents Alexander Gopie Jnr with a cheque valued at $50,000 to help with his educational needs as part of a pledge made by Chang more than 11 years ago. Looking on is Gopie’s cousin Tameika Brown. Chang made the commitment to aid young Gopie Jnr with his educational needs following the death of his father, former ace lightweight jockey Al Gopie, during the running of the Craven A Claiming Championship Series event over nine furlongs and 25 yards at Caymanas Park on November 20, 1999. Gopie fell from his mount Sagar and was trampled by trailing horses before being pronounced dead on arrival at the University Hospital of the West Indies. Through Capital Betting and Wagering Limited, Chang, not only contributed to the funeral expenses of Gopie Snr, but pledged to support the jockey’s young son through secondary school.

The 16-year-old Gopie Jr was thankful for Chang’s assistance over the years. “First I must say thanks for the cheque and I appreciate all the things that Mr Chang has done for my schooling from my father died,” said the Bridgeport High School fifth form student who hopes to play football professionally, while backing up his dreams with an engineering option.

Chang was happy to have fulfilled his promise, after making the final contribution to the cause. “I thought that the death of Al Gopie was very tragic. We stepped forward to provide assistance to the funeral and support to Junior, his only son and we were happy to have helped and we hope that he makes a success of himself in his chosen field.”