The local debuts of two international jockeys, Paul Morales and Reylu Gutierrez, the return of Gulfstream announcer Peter Aiello and the much-anticipated rematch between Rough Entry, Is That A Fact, and Atomica will all be overshadowed today by the implementation of the new whip rule.

The use of the whip in horse racing has been and continues to be a hotly debated topic around the globe. This heated discussion has raged for decades, and it is occasionally mentioned as the reason some people dislike horse racing.

Whipping the horses repeatedly can create physical and psychological distress, as well as increase the danger of injury to the jockey and other racing competitors.

To bring local racing in line with international standards, particularly those aimed at protecting horse health, the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) has amended Rule 138(5) of the Rules of Racing to limit the number of times a jockey can whip a horse in a race.

Now jockeys are allowed only 10 strikes on the horse during any one race, including six times in the straight, that is, the final two furlongs (400m).

Failure to comply can lead to a suspension of not more than 25 successive race days, a fine not exceeding $20,000, riding without the use of the whip, or any combination of the aforementioned.

Both Morales and Gutierrez have secured four rides each on the 10-race card, and both riders are expected to make an immediate impact on their debut.

Morales will mount Playfair in the second race; Bold Shadow in the eighth race; KP Choice in the ninth race; and Noble Attitude in the 10th and final event.

Gutierrez is set to ride Train of Thought in the second race; Rough Entry in the seventh race; Prince Ama in the eighth race; and Milos in the ninth race.

However, all eyes will be fixed on Gutierrez aboard the Rohan Crichton-condition Rough Entry in what is expected to be another titanium battle with Is That A Fact and Atomica in the $2.5-million Viceroy Trophy feature going one mile (1,600m).

The last time the big three met was in the seven and a half-furlong Chairman’s Trophy on February 24. American-bred Is That Fact took advantage of the light impose at 46 kg (101 lb) and won the race by two lengths ahead of Horse of the Year Atomica at 52.0 kg (115 lb) and last year’s Mouttet Mile winner Rough Entry at top weight of 57.0 kg (126 lb). There is not much change in the handicap for this race, as Rough Entry remains at 57.0 kg and Atomica at 52.0 kg, with Is That A Fact gaining a couple pounds at 50.0 kg (110 lb).

The only difference is that all three horses will be ridden by three different riders and will travel an additional half-furlong (100 metres). Gutierrez takes over for Shamaree Muir on Rough Entry, Panamanian Josue Osorio replaces Jordan Barrett on Is That A Fact, and local six-time champion Omar Walker takes over for Dane Dawkins on Atomica.

All three horses are meticulously prepared and eager to demonstrate their distinct qualities, so another fascinating battle is on the way.

The Graded Stakes/Open Allowance contest for three-year-olds and older is set to go off at 3:45 pm. The first race is at high noon.

Morales, who rides at Tampa Bay Downs racetrack in Florida, has 2,636 career wins, 2,262 second-place finishes, and 1,960 third-place finishes from 13,928 mounts, totalling $56,285,386.

Gutierrez, who competes at the Fair Grounds racetrack in New Orleans, Louisiana, has 647 career wins, 643 second-place finishes, and 620 third-place finishes from 4,789 rides, totalling US$30,649,981.

Horse racing and sports fans worldwide will once again have the opportunity to see and hear Peter Aiello call races at Caymanas Park. Aiello will be making his second appearance at the park today.

Aiello made his debut commentating races at Caymanas Park on Saturday, November 11, 2023. During the 10 races on offer that day, Aiello, who has established himself as one of the world’s finest race callers, brought a high degree of accuracy, excitement, and clever phrases to his calls.

Aiello’s two classic catch phrases are “Easy Money” and “Who do you like from here?”.

The Jamaica Cup had Aiello calling the first part of the race before handing over the commentary to local ace commentator Brian “Spuddy” Rickman as the horses headed toward the half-mile turn.

Ones to watch:

Race 1)
Casual Peach/T Brady/Anngelos

Race 2)
Cryptogirl/Train Of Thought/Comehometome

Race 3)
Cold Pursuit/sensational Satin/Heart Of A Lion

Race 4)
Crimson/Dodge This Links/Colorado Ranger

Race 5)
Jupiter Man/Storm A Come/Wildfire

Race 6)
Traveller’s Choice/Special Gift/Heroine

Race 7)
Rough Entry/Atomica/Is That A Fact

Race 8)
Prince Amaan/Paper Work/Francis

Race 9)
Ability/God Of Love/KP Choice

Race 10)
Noble Attitude/Sparkles/The Love Of Go