At approximately 2:45 pm yesterday the connections of Future King, first past the post in Saturday’s Jamaica Derby, lodged an appeal at the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) against the decision of the race day stewards to disqualify their horse.

Future King was disqualified for causing intimidation and interference against second past the post Bigdaddykool, and also third past the post Orpheus during the stretch run.Bigdaddykool was also disqualified for causing interference to Orpheus in the vicinity of the 800-metre mark. After the two disqualifications, the eventual winner of the 96th running of the Jamaica Derby was Orpheus.

The lodging of the appeal by the connections of Future King was confirmed by an official of the JRC.

The official pointed out that the process is now for the documents pertaining to the appeal to be sent to the JRC’s general manager who would then inform the board of directors of the JRC. After the board receives the documents, a hearing would then be scheduled by the JRC and all parties involved would then be given notice to attend and present their cases.

The Complete Racing Guide shares with its readers the sections of the Jamaica Racing Commission Act pertaining to the appeal process.

27. (1) There shall be an appeal to the Commission against a decision given by a person acting in pursuance of any function delegated under section 26.

(2) Any person who is aggrieved by a decision given by a person referred to in subsection (1) may appeal to the Commission against such decision within such time and in such manner as may be prescribed.

(3) The Commission may – at the hearing of an appeal against a decision in respect of which the appeal is brought – (a) dismiss the appeal and confirm the decision; or (b) allow the appeal and set aside the decision; or (c) set aside the decision and substitute therefor such other decision as the Commission may think proper; or (d) allow the appeal and direct that the proceedings in respect of which the decision (the subject of the appeal) was made, be reconducted either by the person who made that decision or such other person as the Commission may decide.

28. All decisions of the Commission given in respect of any matter which falls within its functions shall be final.