The appeal lodged on Monday afternoon by the connections of Future King – first past the post in the 96th running of the Jamaica Derby – against the decision of the raceday stewards to disqualify their horse from first place, will be heard by the commissioners of the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) on Thursday next (July 7).

Confirmation of this quick response by the regulatory body came from deputy chairman of the JRC and chairman of the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC), Clovis Metcalfe, who stressed that the JRC views this matter “as one of great urgency”. The JRC is chaired by Anthony Shoucair, who also serves as deputy chair of the BGLC.

“I can now confirm that the appeal lodged by the parties against the decision of the raceday stewards to disqualify the Derby winner will be held on Thursday of next week, where it is the intention of the commissioners to make a decision on the matter,” Metcalfe stated.

When asked to explain the speedy response of the JRC to this particular appeal in comparison to their usual tardiness, Metcalfe replied that things are changing for the better.

“Racing is a very dynamic sport and as such, we the commissioners cannot allow for important matters such as appeals to take months before they are heard. It is distressing for all concerned, so we are moving to change that obvious malady in the system.

“The regulatory body cannot be an obstacle in the efficient running of any agency under our jurisdiction. We must offer the people we serve an efficient and transparent service.

“I am a part of a new board with a very committed chairman and commissioners, and our mandate is very clear: We are going to ensure efficiencies throughout and we are not going to allow for appeals to take months before they are heard, not by a long shot.

“As to the Derby appeal, the commissioners fully understand the importance of the Derby being the most sought after race on any racing calendar; it is a time-honoured race which demarcates excellence.

“This is the first time we are having a disqualification in a Derby, meaning that we are treading on new ground here, which makes it imperative for us to act quickly to settle the matter in the interest of horse racing and the stakeholders involved,” Metcalfe said with strong conviction in his voice.